Easter! What Comes To Your Mind?

Easter! What Comes To Your Mind?

by | Apr 9, 2022 | Inspirations

What comes to mind when you think of Easter?

When I think of Easter, I think of…
An incomparable exchange
I think the greatest interception of all times
I think the life of One for All; the blood of the Master for the slaves
I think the celebration of the life we have received.

You see, indomitable kingdoms have reigned
Lionhearted men have stomped territories
Impressive orators have led revolutions
And humanitarian leaders have dazzled the face of the earth
Yet none surrendered themselves

Unimaginable would a king ever surrender the heir to the throne
Unfathomable would the mighty lay down the sword —for the feeble
Unheard of, would the innocent die for the guilty
Still, only Him dared

He is…Unmatched in His giving and unequalled in His love
Unbeatable in might and unassailable in splendour

The only saviour and Lord who rules and reigns forever
Willingly surrendered Himself on the cross

At Easter, I recall that Jesus died so that we may live our lives to the very fullest.
I’m reminded that…Of His fullness we all have received —grace, strength, wisdom, ability, and boldness —grace heaped upon grace. (John 1:16)

Think about it! That from the very source of life Himself, the very spring of wisdom, forgiveness, creativity, inspiration; we have direct access to firsthand grace, forgiveness, wisdom, inspiration… Isn’t that amazing?

And that our dreams remain not only dreams.

But dreams now morphing into wellsprings, bringing hope, nourishment, and healing to the nations.

When I think Easter, I think of life, resurrection, and hope; I think of dreams coming to life again.
And in speaking of dreams, I am beyond elated to share a release of my debut, a song the Lord put in my mouth.  To be released on Easter Sunday. God is greatly to be praised, Indeed!

Check out the video here

Hef-zibah’s Story—My 18 Days Battle

Hef-zibah’s Story—My 18 Days Battle

by | Mar 16, 2022 | Healings, Inspirations, True Life Stories

It all started in January 2020, right after the cheer of Christmas and the new year. That cold winter day in January, my husband, a loving, decorous, and otherwise healthy husband left for work. The day was like other days. The only difference was that they announced in his office that day, that someone was sick and so everyone including my husband, had to take a COVID test. Two (2) days later, the result came out and my husband broke the unexpected news to me that he tested positive. I paused in shock for a moment. “But you are very healthy and there’s nothing wrong with you” I protested. “How can that be?” I asked incredulously. I assured myself that the hospital must have mixed up the results. I didn’t like the sound of this, but it wasn’t something we couldn’t handle. Maybe my husband was just asymptomatic.

In the days that would follow, my husband started showing flu-like symptoms. Since it was just like the flu, I began giving him juice from the native concoctions of ginger, lemon, garlic, and all sorts. Then, almost like the attack of an armed band, my husband’s health took a severe hit —He got weak, incessantly coughing, and had lots of hiccups interrupting his speech. He started talking like actors in the movies when on their deathbed.

About, two (2) weeks before my husband went for the COVID test; precisely on January 2nd, 2020, the Lord laid in my heart to go through the Bible in a year on YouTube. We call it Cover2Cover. During the study of the Bible character – Job, I had a vivid dream about an evil eye that set out to attack me so that what happened to Job—he lost his possessions—would happen to me. As a result, I planned to make Cover2Cover private but was dissuaded by my husband. “This is God’s work” he interjected, “It needs to go to the ends of the World”. About 2 days after this dream I woke up in the middle of the night to a dark foreboding that my husband was in danger. It was after this dream that his office requested the mandatory test.

I tried anything and everything. While hubby’s health plummeted, I administered my husband the native mixture, and I would have him confess that he would live and not die. I was praying, screaming, crying, pleading, begging—whatever it took. One day, I rolled on the floor, pleading, ‘’Lord, heal my husband! This is not the way to treat people that serve you’’. All day, my husband would sit on the couch, looking up to the roof, and shaking. All attempts to feed or give him water failed. He would stare at me but wouldn’t seem to see me. I was clueless, confused, disoriented, and terrified. One moment he seemed aware of his surroundings, and the next he wasn’t. It got to where his favourite Kirk Franklin songs were a mere nuisance to him. His favourite psalms were no help either. My man’s health spiralled downwards with each passing moment, and I was petrified. So, I did the only next thing.

I made a panic call to our family doctor. The doctor faxed the prescription directly to the pharmacist since I had been exposed and needed to isolate. After receiving the prescription, I hurriedly dispensed two (2) tablets of codeine to my husband as prescribed. My husband slept off immediately like a sleep-deprived child. ‘’ Ah! What a relief! I announced to myself. Finally, I get to rest’’. He slept deep and long. When my husband woke up, he wasn’t only drenched in a cold sweat, but he also woke up a total stranger.

Hubby started acting strange. Next, my husband began hallucinating. He was all shaky and jittery and would fling food off my hand in my attempt to feed him. My heart sank at his cold-eyed stares at me. It frightened me seeing my husband fidgeting, wildly looking around as if he was in a strange place, with incessant painful coughing. The next day, I repeated the same dosage, thinking that he will feel better with more pills.  No, the illness did not subside. Things got worse, and I couldn’t think right.

How could I tell when it was the drugs or my husband speaking? One of those days, hubby dashed into the studio —where I host my morning ‘Cover2Cover’ bible study program— like someone who’ had lost his mind. He rushed in, screaming “Help me, help me!” oh how my heart was crushed at that sight. I abruptly ended the program to attend to my beloved husband. “Can I put my head on your lap?” He cried. When I saw how terrible my husband was looking, I announced to him that I was going to call 911 and they may take him to the hospital.  “Please don’t let them take me. I want to be with you” He pleaded. I wasn’t sure if it was the drug or my husband speaking. One thing I knew though was that whatever we were drinking wasn’t working.

That Saturday night was the scariest. As his wife, I made the executive decision to flout all COVID rules. The rules advised that my husband must sleep in a separate room, not share the same space as me, must not maintain physical contact with him, and required me to pass his meals off to him. It was now obvious that the more I stayed apart from my husband the worse things got. Hence, that night, I packed back into our room. My husband was restless the entire night. No sleeping posture seemed comfortable. We eventually made it through the next morning, but hubby was very weak and unable to stand.  I gave him a warm bath where he soaked up the warm water for about fifteen minutes. That was when I noticed he was coughing blood!

I immediately sent the picture of the blood to our family doctor ‘’I think the dosage isn’t good for my husband,’’ I complained. This was when the doctor revealed that he prescribed 1 – 2 tablets as needed and not the 2 tablets twice daily as received from the pharmacist. This meant he could take 1 tablet in a day or 1 in two days as required. So, I have been giving my husband the wrong dosage all along. I wondered.  ‘’You have given him 4 already today?’’ the doctor interrupted my thought.  ‘’Yes, because the prescription I received said two tablets twice daily,’’ I retorted. ‘’ Do not give him anymore’’. The doctor blurted. After the doctor received and saw his requested cough sample — filled with blood, he asked me to quickly call the ambulance.

When the blaring siren eventually stopped outside my house, I ambled up to the door to let them in. The ambulance team, a female and a male paramedic trotted into the house. ” It is not everybody we attend to because of COVID” The female paramedic announced to me. Next, she bent over to check my husband’s pulse and oxygen level. She observed that his oxygen level was 50 whereas a normal oxygen level is about 97 and above. She summoned her colleague to pass her the oxygen tank. “Do not move sir” She instructed while inserting the oxygen tank into my husband’s nose. They let the reading increase to about 57 before they quit monitoring. “If the oxygen doesn’t go around his body, his organs will start shutting down”. The female paramedic informed me, lifting her eyes to me. I watched, quivering.

They took my husband away from me. The paramedics now informed me they would drive my husband to the hospital, and I couldn’t come along since I had been exposed. “Can you please take him to Foothill’s hospital? ‘’ I implored. “No!” the lady paramedic replied curtly, “We will take him to the nearest hospital and Foothills is not the nearest hospital, we are taking him to Peter Lougheed”. My spirit was very much against the Peter Lougheed Hospital. That I would surrender my husband to total strangers unsettled me. “Will they take care of him properly?”. I already had my preconceived notions about this pandemic. Everything was so emotional for me. However, my husband was brave. He tried to look his best and managed to walk himself to the ambulance. I painfully watched as the paramedics whisked my husband off to the hospital.

The moment they left, I cried and cried. My heart was breaking. “I hope I’ll see my husband again” I pleaded with God, “O God! What did we do? Did it have to come to this?” This shattered my heart in pieces, and I felt all alone.I couldn’t hold myself, so I defied the paramedic’s stern warning to not call until after two hours. After about an hour, I rang my husband, but there was no answer. It was a Sunday morning and since I couldn’t leave the house, I had ample time to cry.  I prayed and cried my eyes out. I was devastated and troubled, so I started making calls to close friends and family members. First, I called my mum and mother-in-law in Nigeria. My mother-in-law was as calm as the smoothest waters. I kept trying to reach my husband, but all my calls met dead silence. I felt panic setting in as I wondered what was going on at the hospital. “I needed to be there”.

In that frustration and sensations of overwhelm, I called a friend, Lola, in Nigeria. Not entirely sure why I did but hmm, Lola was divinely appointed for that time.  she reminded me “You are a worship minister; this is the time to do your ministry”.  “Ok, start singing” Lola persuaded. But there was no song in me. I was in the pit of despair, the darkest and deepest part of it’’ I muttered up a song. A lifeless song on my lips. There was no life or heart as I sang: “Glory be to God in the highest, Amen for His mercies endureth forever Amen” Lola yelled through the phone, “Are you sitting down? Stand up! dance! praise God. Louder! I’m not hearing you!” She kept stimulating me.   Lola stayed with me on the phone, praying fervently with me for an hour.

As if in answer to our heartfelt prayers, my phone rang. It was my husband.  He was still at the emergency, and the network was jammed so as not to interrupt the machine readings. He had been in the emergency and was upset that no one had attended to him. At about 3 pm, the doctor called to give me updates. By the time the doctor finished speaking with me, I found myself on the floor, trembling. The doctor goes “The CT scan shows that your husband’s lungs have been severely infected. This is a critical case, and it could go either way. When it gets to this extent, people usually die. The virus has really damaged his lungs.” He continued “His lungs are not getting enough oxygen, but we will do our best. We will put him on a life support ventilator and then in a coma, and make his lungs stop breathing. Now the ventilator has its own side effects.” The doctor added. “Some people do not take it well.”  My head was spinning. I was like “he cannot die, he will not die. No, not this one.” “I will update you” the doctor finished.

Right after that, I called my pastor and his wife. ‘’ Help me O” I cried, “My husband’s oxygen level is 50”. My pastor’s wife, a medical doctor, screeched. The worst she’s ever seen was 68 or 70 and then the person was in a very critical state. However, my pastor reassured me saying “Don’t worry, don’t worry! Do you have communion? Do you have bread or wine?” He continued. My pastor now started making decrees. “We have a covenant with the Lord that we will not lose anyone to COVID”. “Amen” I declared frantically. I took the communion and felt some consolation.

Sunday evening, a nurse called to inform me that they were giving my husband oxygen. They put him in a special unit to monitor his blood oxygen, and if it elevated to a reasonable level, they would move him to a normal ward. Not after an hour, another doctor called to inform me that they had put my husband in a medically induced coma. “He is on the ventilator, now on life support, prone sleeping position” “Can I speak to him before you do all this?” I asked. The doctor said no as it was an emergency.” What is the assurance that he is going to come out?” I asked. We don’t know, the doctor said. “You don’t know, and you wouldn’t let me speak to him before inducing him? What if he doesn’t come out, and you couldn’t let me speak to him?” I exclaimed as tears flooded my eyes. That night, I woke up looking for my husband beside me. I thought this was all a bad dream. I groaned painfully as I thought of being a widow at such a young age. So, my husband is in a coma! Where will I get another husband? Will a new husband love me as my husband does? Will we be able to do music together? God, save me from this horrid challenge.

Disenchanted, I tried to work and keep my mind intact but then; I had a mental vision of my husband where he gave a loud wail. I instantly fell to the ground shouting: Jesus! Jesus! Over and over. It was like my heart was being ripped out. I called my mum, stressfully contemplating stopping my Cover-to-Cover program. My mom said if you stop then the devil has won. You must keep it on. Therefore, I kept up with the program but could not share publicly what I was going through. I would cry and worship on the program and people would think I was in the spirit, but I was in despair. “This is how God rewards me for wanting to do His will?” At that point, I battered with many thoughts in my head – Is God even real? Where was God when things got out of hand? How did he allow my husband to get into Coma? And now there’s no assurance that he will come out alive. No one knows anything. It was agonizingly alarming!

I started making plans of what I would do if my husband died: I wouldn’t pack anything, I would simply disappear; no one will see me again; neither my parents nor his family, no one! “Maybe this God isn’t even real, maybe these are mere stories. Why will this happen? Where are all God’s promises?”. I was angry with God. Even though I grew up in church and my parents are pastors, I had never felt so alone in my life. I had absolutely nothing to hold on to. Just anger. There was no rhema, no song, no revelation. I felt so much despair. Then I thought about many people who had left the faith. This Christian thing does not work because I prayed many times. And it felt like the more I prayed the worse the sickness got. My 18 Days Mental Battle Continues Here



 

			

								
					
				
							
					
				
			
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			










				
					
			
					


											
								Why Does My House Get Dirty So Fast?							
					
															
Why Does My House Get Dirty So Fast?

					
					
 by  | Aug 24, 2021 | Inspirations






				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
 


 




Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the walkway before it stops snowing. —Phyllis Diller




 


It was barely two (2) hours since my girls walked into the house from their summer camp. As I ambled up the stairs to the family room area, I couldn’t help but notice the scraps of paper that had littered the floor. I instinctively bent down to pick them up. I wasn’t quite up when from the corner of my eyes I spotted some broken crayons that had somehow rolled down from the brown coffee table. I calmly crouched over to pick the crayons up, still giving my girls space to steep in their camp experience. But when I then  saw some Connect-4 game pieces (seeds)  scattered on the floor toward the washroom and now the pile of books lying on the carpet; disorganized as if wobbled by an earthquake, I cried out summoning my kids, “Why can’t this house remain clean? why should books and pens always lie around? do we live in a house that moves?’’ I  inquired facetiously.  A question they’ve heard countless times. With little children, items never quite remain in their place for long, I thought to myself. Objects are either falling off, littering away, lying around, rolling down or flying off.  I finally roused myself  to accept the obvious; that a  house inhabited by little children requires frequent cleaning and tidying. 


 


While this thought  lingered in my mind, I admittedly, spotted a correlation to my own spiritual life. Every so often, the Lord would point His finger at areas in my life that needed cleaning — litters I  ignore, sections of my life that are wobbling out of alignment— especially impatience and believing the best of others .


 


Just as children interact with their environment leaving things out of order, we too in our interactions with our environment —   spouses and children, siblings and in-laws, colleagues and friends,— unknowingly spawn and leave behind messes. When sequestered in close quarters with people — at work, church, home, school—   we, time and again displace emotions and trust: we err in judgement,  speak too soon,  act too fast or not at all, we say too much or don’t speak up as much. We soil our relationships with hurtful words,  prideful tones and indifferent attitudes.  And like little children, we do not readily take the time to assess and clean up after ourselves… Until… 


 


Not until we begin to topple over things. Pressed by stress, discomfort, explosions of anger,  and mostly, eyes, closely watching, prying and seeing our mess, we are coerced to pause, assess  and clean up.


 


What if we prioritized sanitizing our spiritual lives? Worse than the COVID-19 virus —and its variants—is the infectious virus ( issues) of the heart. What needless pain we bear, what peace we often forfeit when we neglect our heart condition. What if we heed Peter’s counsel: So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You’ve had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God’s pure kindness. Then you’ll grow up mature and whole in God..  —1 peter 2:1 Message.   This is a daily invitation to you and me to get rid of pride, jealousy, anger, contention, strife, carnality, callousness and all vices that permeate our relationships.


 


Peter dives right into telling us how to live clean lives.  He does not suggest being overtly sin-conscious. Rather, Peter entreats us to drink deep (crave, earnestly desire, thirst for, consider as absolutely necessary) the pure milk of God’s word like newborn babies.  The same way newborn babies depend on their mother’s milk for their sustenance and growth,  so must we prioritize the nourishment of our souls with God’s word to fully mature—adults, who make fewer messes and readily clean after themselves.


 


As we crave and desire the Word, our love for Christ  —the Word  — also grows. Hence our awareness and desire to love others also grows.  This, I believe, is an antidote for sin consciousness. 


 


As they say, Improvement begins with I. Therefore Lord; I ask for the grace to crave and prioritize your word daily. The diligence to seek you more than I seek earthly things and the strength to pause during my day to meditate on your word so that I may grow up to be mature and whole in God.


 


The problem, therefore, is not that children mess up the house but that children remain children for far too long. 


The problem is not that the house gets littered but that the house is left dirty …and for a long time.


It is not so much a problem that we have issues we need to sort out. It becomes a problem when we leave them unattended…and for a long time. 


I encourage you to earnestly desire God’s word today.


 


God Bless and keep you!


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

			

								
					
				
							
					
				
			
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			





				
					
			
					


				
					
			
					


											
								(VIDEO) Behold Christmas, Behold the Word Revealed | Spoken Word Poetry							
					
															
(VIDEO) Behold Christmas, Behold the Word Revealed | Spoken Word Poetry

					
					
 by  | Dec 6, 2020 | Celebrations, Inspirations



				
				
				
				
				
				
				

							

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				










LYRICS





Behold Christmas, Behold the Word Revealed!





Once upon a time, El-Elyon, the God most high, uttered the Word. 





The heavens and the Earth appeared.  





El-Shaddai, the God Almighty, spoke, the galaxies whirled into place, the





light displaced the darkness and the stars blazed up the skies.





At Elohim, the One and only God’s word, the mountains rose and the waters suspended above and beneath the firmament.





 Stars obey and the moon shines full at Yahweh’s command. 





Jehovah Shammah spoke, and the plants and creatures sprung forth on the lands and on the waters. 





El-Olam, the everlasting God is He. 





Yahweh, Jehovah is the Lord; His Words unleash power. 





He is sovereign; He is eternal, infinite, unrestrained, , unlimited, majestic, awe-inspiring. He is unchanged, unmoved and is never undone.





At creation, the Architect of the Universe bequeathed power and authority to you and I.





Power over sickness, anger, fear, anxiety, depression and all forms of harassment.





Alas, power and authority relinquished to the enemy through deceit. We lost sight of our value, we lost sight of our identity.





Amidst the heartbreak, Abba, our Father, sought flesh to reveal himself to flesh.





The one who existed in the beginning with God put on flesh and came to a speck in the Universe





called the Earth.





At Christmas, we celebrate the introduction of Jesus, we celebrate the Word made flesh, we celebrate Emmanuel, God with us.





Endeared to His prime craft, the creator came to live with the created. He who held the





dust of the earth in a basket became flesh to be seen, touched and known by flesh.





Compelled by love, the king of the world became a servant in the world. The immortal,





invisible God made himself visible to be held by mere mortal.





What love is this that the owner of the goldmines of the world should find no place to be born but in a lowly stable?





For the one who designed the sun was smitten by the heat of the sun.





For love’s sake, Omnipotence restricted his potency; the unrestrained in power restrained His own ability.





The unlimited God confined himself to flesh to feel pain, to love the unworthy; to be insulted and be betrayed by flawed men.





At Christmas, it is not Santa Claus, we praise.





The Living Word, the friend to the poor, He, we raise. We extol the Father to the fatherless, the relentless in love and the unhindered in power.





We hail the Word made flesh, we hallow Jesus, the one who grants us access to eternal life.





Behold Christmas!  behold my truth revealed, my identity uncovered.





Christmas knocked on my door. In His hands had my new identity. He said “Your name is beloved, for you are my delight. You don’t belong to shame, anger, fear, anxiety or intimidation anymore.





You live somewhere else, in Me.





Your past? I don’t recall”. “Like a bird,” He says, “Soar in me, blossom in righteousness; for my spirit of rightness is in you.





For you are an heir of my kingdom and joint-heirs with me. Yes, you’re worth the riches in glory.” A new position He’s placed us— the heavenly places.





Because of Christmas, a sound mind He’s bestowed on us, for we’ve been joined to God, and he who’s joined to the Lord, is one with Him.





Because of Christmas, our reality is faith. For we walk by faith and not by sight.





Yes, we are strong, we are courageous, we walk in favour and we walk in truth.





Behold Christmas! Behold a new breed, behold a chosen generation, behold peculiar people, behold sons and daughters of the Almighty, behold kings and priests.





Behold the Word revealed!





For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given





And His name is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace!





Behold Christmas! Behold the Word revealed!





Merry Christmas!!!








			

			
		
				
				
				
				
			
	
				
				
			


				
					
			
					


											
								Why Christmas? Three Reasons And Its Promises.							
					
															
Why Christmas? Three Reasons And Its Promises.

					
					
 by  | Dec 1, 2020 | Inspirations





				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
Photo by  Any Lane from Pexels


 


Have you ever wondered, ”Why on earth did Jesus come?” Have you often thought? ” I don’t see the fullness of God’s promises in my life.  I am in debt, I feel bound by my fears and past mistakes, I am sick in my body.’’  Perhaps, you are addicted to habits that you know are wrong. Maybe, you feel stuck, or you don’t have the time or the resource to do the things you feel called to do. Do you sometimes ask if the promises in the bible are true, or even attainable?


God’s promises like:


    

  • ‘’ You shall lay your hands on the sick and they will recover’’ Mark 16:18
    • 

  • ‘’You will lend to many nations, but you will not borrow.’’ Deuteronomy 28:12
    • 

  • ‘’I will restore you to health and heal your wounds’’ — Jeremiah 30:17
    • 

  • ‘’The LORD will make you the head, not the tail’’ —Deuteronomy 28:13
    • 

  • ‘’All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace.’’—Isaiah 54:13
    • 

  • ‘’And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.’’ — 2 Corinthians 9:8
    • 



Furthermore, the scriptures say in Colossians 1:19, “For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him,  and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.’’ 


So, you may say,  if Jesus came to reconcile everything to Himself, and If He came so that my life will be restored to God’s original intent, why do I still have many problems? If He came to bring peace and harmony to things on the earth and in heaven, why am I sick, why am I in debt, why is there conflict in my marriage, why do I have incessant relationship issues? Why am I stuck in this job; in this place that I did not intend for? Why on earth did Jesus come?


”If you’ve ever asked these questions even in the dim recesses of your mind, you’re not alone.


Do you know that God’s promises are not automatic. For instance, that your parents paid your school fees to have you enrolled in the world’s best school does not necessarily mean you’ll have the best education. To glean from the impeccable reputation of that school, you’ll be required to diligently engage in all the classes and subjects taught at the school. You’ll need to take steps every single day to meet your parent’s expectations. Similarly, Jesus has given you and I access to His promises. Having them work in our lives depends on our diligent engagement 

 

 


Three (3) reasons you and I may not have reaped all the Promises of Christmas


Allow me to share these three reasons from the bible


1. what you see

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light’’ — Matthew 6:22 

 


What do you see in the challenges you face? How do you interpret your problem? The scriptures say, when our eyes are flooded with the light from God’s word, we’ll be able to see every situation in its true light, beyond the natural. Stop looking merely at the natural state of things in your life, in your health, in your marriage, in your finances. Look and see the promises of God in view.

Also, 11 Cor 5:16 -17 says, ‘’ Consequently, from now on we estimate and regard no one from a purely human point of view. Though we once regarded Christ this way, we do so no longer. Therefore if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creature, old things have passed away, behold the new has come.’’ 

 


That means we do not estimate ourselves in terms of our natural standard.


    

  • So, in our health, we don’t go by how we feel neither do we accept the doctor’s verdict as final, rather we see God’s word as preeminent.
    • 

  • We do not judge ourselves, our children, our spouse or friends by how they act, we extend grace from the picture we see of them from the Word.
    • 

  • We do not estimate our wealth merely by the tangibles —bank statement, the number of houses, or the income that comes in every month.
    • 


This is so because every born-again Christian is now grafted in Christ according to Corinthians 5:16. This means you and I are new species, we are a new kind, a supernatural kind. As a result, 

 


    

  • We do not let only the physical matter —money, time, skill — to determine what we accomplish on a daily basis, this drives a greater level of self-accountability.
    • 

  • Our lives are not merely governed by our physical ability but by God’s supernatural enablement.
    • 

  • Our bank account is not my financial worth, the riches of heaven is, so I give generously
    • 

  • You see our spouses, children, friends, colleagues and neighbours with the eyes of God— reconciled to Christ.
    • 



In other words, we all must stay long enough in the word with a laser focus on God’s promises regarding all issues of concern. Our focus determines what we think for as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he—  Proverbs 23:7. God’s reality must become our reality, our physical constraints notwithstanding before we can experience God’s promises.


2. What you do

Like a driver on a steering wheel, with eyes flooded with light and looking in the right direction. He’s now able to see clearly to take the next step — Drive.  

 


After we’ve received the true picture of that problem from the Word of God, what do we now do with the promises? In that spiritual gift, in that health situation, in that marriage matter, in that career you are passionate about, what steps are you taking on a daily basis to take hold of God’s promise?  Are you taking steps that drive you towards or away from the prodding of your heart? Many a promise has been hijacked on the path of convenience; many of us have traded conviction for convenience.


It is critical that we determine to take steps towards God’s promise even when we don’t feel like it. For the righteous live by believing and not by seeing — 2 Corinthians 5:7

Hence, the question arises:

 


    

  • ‘’ Now that I believe the promises of God that say, ‘ I am the head and not the tail,’ am I exerting myself towards being the head through God’s outlined principles —, planning, hard work, study and diligence?’’
    • 

  • ‘’Now that I believe that God’s grace abounds towards me, am I trying out those God-given ideas that naturally scare me?’’
    • 

  • ‘’Now that I believe that I will lend to nations and not borrow, am I taking steps to be financially empowered? Am I paying attention to meet the needs around me, am I giving generously?’’
    • 

  • ‘’Since I believe that I will lay my hands on the sick and they will recover, do I exercise my faith on myself and on my relatives when they fall ill?’’
    • 



For “Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.”  Eccl 11:4. Moreover,  obedience is the single ingredient to securing God’s promises for ‘’If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall reap the fruit of the land.’’— Isaiah 1:19


So, our focus gives us the right perspective, and taking steps of faith propels us in the right direction. Yet, one thing remains, for an ever fruitful and peace-filled life.  This one —commitment.


3. How often you do — Commitment

For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9  

 


To be committed means to be loyal and dedicated to a cause. It is following a set of principles, cause of action or instructions to show our devotion; it is doing even when we don’t feel like it. Commitment keeps us going in tough times. Without commitment, we cannot have depth in anything _ Neil Strauss


In every issue of concern, the Lord calls us to be consistent with His principles and instruction for the problem.  Why? Because God’s Words never fail. So are you trusting God for healing in your body? Consistently declare and act out His promises of health. Are you trusting God for salvation for a lost one? Be committed to prayer for that one. Trusting for financial freedom? Commit to good planning and hard work. Be committed until your clouds become full. Because when clouds are heavy, the rains come down. — Ecclesiastes 11:3. 


In conclusion,  Hebrew 4:10 says ”For all who have entered into the rest of God have ceased from their own labours, just as God did after creating the world. 11: Let us, therefore, be zealous and exert ourselves ( in prayer, in praise in reaching out, in hard work, professing the word)  and strive diligently”


To experience the rest of God in all areas of our lives, we must be zealous (to show a strong energetic desire to get something done)  and exert ourselves and strive diligently in the word, in prayer, fasting, study, including holding up our confession in the face of opposition. God’s promises are free, but they are not cheap.


 


Did you know that the destinies of your children and your neighbours may be dependent on you? Will we discipline ourselves and strive until we see God’s perfect will in their lives? Here’s a perfect story of commitment seen in this woman who prayed for her unsaved husband for 27 years and thirteen hours even in the face of death.


Questions to Ponder


    

  1. What’s taking your attention? Are you focusing your lens on the truths of the word of God or on the fibs of the media and the culture?
    2. 

  2. What are you expending your time, your energy and resources on?
    3. 

  3. Do you act the word in spite of how you feel?
    4. 

  4. Do you treat your child, spouse, colleagues, friends based on how they treat you or do you respond to them with the knowledge of God’s will for them?
    5. 



Prayer

Lord, I thank you for your promises as a result of Christmas. Help me set my focus on your word; for the things which I see are temporal but the things which I do not see are eternal. I thank you that  I am a new specie because I am in-grafted in you. I can do all that I need to do through Christ who strengthens me. With your help, I choose to see, talk, and act the word. I choose thanksgiving instead of complaints.  I believe your word instead of peoples’ experiences. Thank you for the blood of Jesus that has reconciled me to Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

 


 


 

 

 

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			




				
					
			
					


											
								SOAP Bible Study Method + FREE SOAP Printables							
					
															
SOAP Bible Study Method + FREE SOAP Printables

					
					
 by  | Oct 20, 2022 | Inspirations, True Life Stories



				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
 Are you too busy to spend quality time with God every day?


Like many people, I was busy.


My life was a whirlwind from 2013 through 2016.


With an ongoing  Master’s degree and four kids, including twin toddlers, and a baby, I grappled to keep all the plates spinning.


I was often pressed for time, short on sleep and constantly walked on a treadmill of chores. However, the faster the plates spun, the faster my impatience grew.


 


Until one day,  an incident changed my life.




That Autumn morning, I scurried into the kitchen as I always did, juggling to feed my four kids before I would hastily ship them off to kindergarten. I would have then rushed off to the train station, so I wouldn’t miss the train that took me to my school, the University of Oslo, Norway.


That fateful day, in the middle of that busy morning, my oldest daughter — around age  6 or 7 at the time — flopped her hands and spilled her cup of milk onto the floor. 




Now, at this point, steam was pretty much coming out of my ears. A few minutes I waste and I’ll miss my train.  I hate to admit it. but without thinking,  I lashed out like a mad woman.  And I spanked my daughter.


 


A mountain of guilt haunted me over the next few days. How did I become this surly and irritable mother?


That was when I knew things had to change. I finally heeded the Lord’s prodding to prioritize daily meditations in the Word. To meditate first thing every day even if my house was dripping with chores.


Read Amaka’s Story of How God Helped Her Through a Tough Study


That time was when I discovered and started using the SOAP (Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer) bible study method. I devoted 30 minutes daily to studying the scriptures.  As I meditated daily I improved in three (3) striking ways.


    

  1. I learned more about God and myself, and I maximized my time.
    2. 

  2. Impulsiveness reduced, as I processed my thoughts and emotions better.
    3. 

  3. I became a lot more focused, structured, and efficient in my other responsibilities.
    4. 




That’s why in this blog post, I share below an example of the SOAP bible study method  + FREE SOAP printable resource (Bottom). 


See the infographics below ( click the infographic and the next arrow for the 2nd page)


 

			

				
				
				
				
				

  


Iwannatestify SOAP Bible Study Infographics by Amaka Unamba
  
  

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
I pray that this blog inspires you to prioritize God’s word every day. Opt-in below on this page or click here to receive your FREE SOAP Printables.

			

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

								
					
				
			
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			


				
					

			
					


											
								Is it True Once Saved Always Saved?							
					
															
Is it True Once Saved Always Saved?

					
					
 by  | Sep 28, 2022 | Inspirations



				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
One Bill Foster, a denominational preacher in the 1950s, stated in March 1952 of the Weekly Informer. He said, “If I killed my wife and mother and debauched a thousand women, I couldn’t go to hell.” He proceeded to say, “I couldn’t go to Hell if I wanted to.”


Inside this blog, we examine the questions like:


    

  • Is once saved always saved?
    • 

  • Does it matter what I do even though I am righteous?
    • 

  • Since I’m righteous, will I go to heaven regardless of what I do?
    • 



 


 


It is true, we established in our last blog post that we are righteous in Christ even when we sin.  But does it mean we can do whatever we want and not be held accountable? Is once saved always saved? Are there things we do or don’t do to endanger our salvation?


 


Bill Foster alongside other proponents of the ‘Once Saved Always Saved’ doctrine believes that the righteousness of Christ is without repentance (Romans 11:29) and because the righteousness of God is a gift that is not earned with works. Once a person is saved, they are always saved.  What do you think? Is this scripturally sound?


 


In this blog post, I share what I’m learning in the form of four (4) statements drawn from scriptures. These questions both test and substantiate a professing Christian’s eternal salvation.


 


Can you and I do whatever we like because we are righteous in Christ? Paul answers this question in Romans 6 :1. He asks, “Shall we continue in sin that God’s kindness and grace will increase? What a terrible thought! Certainly not


“Don’t you realize” Paul continues in verse 15 “that grace frees you to choose your own master?


 


Therefore, the first question.


1. Who is your Master, Sin or Obedience?


For if you choose to love sin, it will become your master and it will own you and reward you with death. But if you choose to love and obey God, He will lead you into perfect righteousness. The devil is the father of those who choose to continue in their sin John 8:44.


 


2. Is faith expressing itself in love?


 


What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?  Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?  In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not acted upon, is dead. James 2:14 -17


 


Also if someone says, “I love God yet hate a brother, he is a liar. For if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 1 John 4:20.


 


Would you love a person and not want to please them? Would you love God and not want to please Him? Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commands”. John 14:15. Therefore, our love walk gives credence to our faith talk. Yes, we are already righteous; legally speaking, however, our actions prove if we really believe this.


 




3. Is there a Desire to Grow?


 


A guy I met last week said, “I know that God is forgiving. I sin and just keep asking God for forgiveness” As we conversed, I realized, this guy implied he could continue to sin as long as he keeps asking God for forgiveness.


However, 1 Peter 3:15 specifically points out:


“But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord.


King James translates it this way: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. As I ponder this verse, I  learn that you and I must make a practice to always revere and honour God in our hearts. Yes, God forgives us when we fall into sin and when we repent and ask for forgiveness. But carelessly offending God to ask God for forgiveness is presumptuous. Presumptuous sin assumes the mercy that God gave yesterday is what He’ll give today. When we do this, we deny the Lord Jesus (James 1:4)  Presumptuous sin is fatal.


 


“When you stop growing,” William S. Burroughs said, “ you start dying.” Hence, the moment we accept Jesus as our saviour, the next thing we ought to do is to commit to daily growing. It’s a call to commit to daily making Jesus our Lord.


 


No wonder Peter tells us to desire the pure milk of the Word so we may grow thereby. (1 Peter 2:2) Growing entails increasing in our knowledge of God, and of God’s Word. It means pressing in to grow in character, and in the love of God. As we grow in the Word, we come to know God’s character and His nature.  And because we know God, our love for Him will increase and we’ll want to please Him some more.


 


On the other hand, spiritual laziness leads to spiritual dullness and indifference towards God and His people. Those people will not inherit God’s promises according to Hebrew 6:12


 


4. Am I Bearing fruit?


 


Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more according to John 15:6.


Jesus continues in vs 15: “The one who remains in Me and I in him will bear much fruit.  For apart from me you can do nothing.”


 


To remain in God means to abide in the Word, to make quality time to feed our Spirit. Like a student preparing for a life exam, we must study, meditate, and ponder the words of the scriptures so we can faithfully love God and excellently serve our families, and our communities.


Consistently remaining in the Word results in an abundance of the fruits of Love: Joy, Peace, Joy,  patience,… (Galatians 5:22). We will not be bankrupt in good works too. ( Ephesians 2:10)


 


 


Consequently, the gift of righteousness is not an excuse to continue to sin. Just as an elevator ease upward motion, in the same way, the gift of righteousness equips us to do good. God’s righteousness ignites a desire in us to be accountable before men and God.


 


The righteous are those who fed the hungry, invited strangers in, gave water to the thirsty, clothed the poor and visited those in prison ( Matthew 25:31-46). They are the sheep who not only declared Jesus as their saviour but who also made Jesus, the Lord of their time, their money, and their resources.


 


Yes, salvation introduces us to the righteousness of God, but our obedience to God, our desire to grow, our faith expressed through love and our fruits of love are what authenticates our confession.


So, no! Once saved is not always saved. Once saved must always keep submitting to the Lordship of Jesus until He comes.


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

			

								
					
				
							
					
				
			
			

			

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
		
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			


				
					

			
					


											
								Are You Righteous, After What You’ve Done?							
					
															
Are You Righteous, After What You’ve Done?

					
					
 by  | Aug 30, 2022 | Inspirations



				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
Reading time: about 8 minutes.


Inside this blogpost


    

  • Ginika’s story
    • 

  • A premise on righteousness
    • 

  • What righteousness is and what it isn’t
    • 

  • Two reasons we must answer this question well.
    • 



 


 


“Are you righteous? Ginika!”


“You, righteous!” her neighbour smirked. Later, you’ll clutch unto the bible and scurry off to church like you’re a saint.  Are you born again after what you’ve done?


Everyone liked Ginika, before. Gini as she was fondly called, was a 17-year-old high school girl. A gentle girl who didn’t talk much. She’d rather let you win than quarrel with you.  She carried an air of dignity and grace that attracted her classmates to her. Gini was not only liked for her looks, but also admired for her down-to-earth attitude.


Ginika was the perfect picturesque of a well-groomed girl as mothers applauded her to their daughters. As she strolled the Nnetu dirt road returning from school, aged men and women in her neighbourhood pronounced blessings on her for her warm heart; Young girls admired her and called her aunty; children ran up to her embrace with fondness.


Adjectives like well-behaved, disciplined, brilliant, church girl, and sweet, were words that echoed her praises. “You’re different, Ginika” some will say. Ginika will modestly reply “ Oh, It’s Jesus! He is the one making me a better person’’ Gini saw herself as an ambassador for Christ and was conscious of living her life for Him.


All these changed when in the last year of high school, a rumor spread quickly that Ginika was pregnant. It was hard to believe at first, but as months passed, the rumour cemented itself. It was true.


Everything changed overnight. There were 1001 taunting eyeballs everywhere —jeering friends, accusing fingers, scoffing neighbors, and children standing aloof, staring in wonder.   Mothers’ infatuation with Gini suddenly morphed into loathing. It wasn’t just people’s words like ‘pretender, slow poison, fake Christian’ that tore Ginika’s heart; it was the relentless accusation in her own mind that wouldn’t go away: you have failed yourself; you have failed others and you have failed God.


Church attendance became spotty. Ginika has asked for forgiveness repeatedly. But the guilt and fear of what others think, make her wonder if God still hears her. When she manages to go to church, she dares not raise her hands in worship. Her strong confidence in God all blew away with the wind of teenage pregnancy.


“You! Are you righteous?” Her neighbor’s sneer plays back at her…


Whether it is a sin that would later dance out in public like Ginika’s, or a secret sin that’s tucked away in a secluded corner of your life, a Christian will be asked this question someday, just like Ginika.  And whether it’s a sin only your children and spouse know or the one you and your colleagues share. The question remains, are you righteous?


Are you righteous when you, a born-again Christian sin against God, your friends, or yourself? Are you righteous when you kept quiet in times you should have spoken up; when you lied to your boss that you were held up in traffic but skipped to mention that you woke up late? Should you still freely raise up your hands in church? What would you say to someone who saw you in the act? Are you still righteous?


After What You’ve Done?  


This question is one fundamental topic every Christian must engage in and find the correct answer to. Answering this question well, significantly affects our response toward God, people, negative thoughts, and accusations.


To examine this question, let’s lay down an important premise.


Premise: There is a distinction between righteousness and right living. 


What is Righteousness?




1. Righteousness is a gift. It is not a reward.


Righteousness is defined as the quality of being morally right and justifiable. For Romans 10:3 says


“For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with Himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law.  For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given.  As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.” 


We see here that righteousness is a gift that is given to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ. If righteousness is a gift, then we do not grow in righteousness. Whoever accepts Jesus as Lord and saviour automatically inherits (gets imputed) the righteousness of God regardless of how long they have known the Lord.  It is a gift. You do not attain it and do not work to get it. This is God’s way of making people righteous.


Also, 2 Corinthians 5:21 says,


He made Christ who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.


In other words, Christ’s righteousness is the instant gift we receive that makes us stand before God in the same favour that Jesus enjoys. Once you believe that Jesus is the son of God, your saviour, and henceforth your master and Lord.  You are made right instantly, with or without any external or physical proof.


2. Righteousness is a nature (Spirit) of rightness.


One of the natures of the cat is to meow, the dog to bark, and the cow to moo. Similarly, the nature of human is to sin. However, when anyone receives Jesus Christ, there is a new — spiritual— nature that is awakened in that person. It’s like a feature in a phone that was previously disabled now becoming enabled. This spirit (nature) of righteousness in a Christian is borne by the Spirit of God according to John 1 :14.


A side point is that the sinful nature is not totally disabled in a born again Christian. Rather this new nature, this new kind, the Spirit of rightness coexists with the sin nature. This new nature works like a spiritual jump starter that awakens a person to the life of God. Leading them to will and desire to please God. Philippians 2:13


Right Living


Right living, on the other hand, is the product of righteousness.  It is the process-wise work of the Holy Spirit in those who daily trust in Jesus Christ. Right living is the inner change that occurs in a person as they continuously submit to the word of God.


The righteousness we inherit from Jesus Christ is the starting point to living right. So, until one is righteous they cannot live right. In the same way, a phone feature to receive calls must be enabled before their phones can receive calls.


The distinction, therefore, is that the gift of righteousness is instant while right living takes time, practice, and diligence. We cannot live right without the gift of righteousness. So a Christian who may not be living right can still be righteous ( more on this later).


Two Reasons We Must Answer this Question




1. Boldness and confidence before God


I can’t forget my friend, K T’s response when I asked her the above question. She asserted “Yes, I am. I need to know I am righteous to stand before God”


I couldn’t have said it any better. We need to know that we are righteous to stand before God because Romans 8:1 tells us this:


Therefore, there is now (not tomorrow) no condemnation (censure, blame) to those who


(i). Are in Christ Jesus and


(ii). Who walk (habitually) not after the flesh but after the Spirit. For the law (power) of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made them free from the law (the power) of sin that leads to death.


Knowing that we are not condemned when we fall into sin, (as opposed to living in sin), gives us the strength to pick up ourselves again. By the same token, Hebrew 4:16 admonishes us to come boldly to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in times of need.


We need to know we are righteous to have confidence not only to ask for forgiveness; but also when we ask for our needs, healing, and other promises.


Therefore, Ginika, you and I can boldly come to God’s presence, and boldly lift our hands in worship because we come, wearing ( as a garment) the righteousness of Jesus Christ and not our good works.


2. To receive strength to bounce quickly back to faith


God’s Grace is that lifeline that pulls anyone from a drowning sin and restores them to the life of God. And the true measure of a person is how much they can bounce back after failure. If we’ll never sin why would we ever need grace and mercy?


I find that the confidence in returning to God, especially after a sin that was made public is a major issue for many Christians.  Many of us especially new Christians tend to ‘feel’ spiritual when ‘we’ve not sinned’ and ‘feel’ less confident (spiritual) when we do something wrong. But knowing that our righteousness ( acceptance) before God isn’t dependent on our own good works. This should give no place for our self-righteousness and also muffle out the accusing voices dissuading us from approaching God when we err. For Christianity is a walk of faith and not a walk of feelings. 2 Corinthians 5:7.


Imagine with me that I am dirty —mean, bad-mouthed, envious, backbites, or fornicates— this is the more reason I need to come to Jesus often to be washed. This is not the time to withdraw from the church, stop reading the bible, or stop fellowshipping with other believers.


How about people’s words and their eyes? You may ask! I would lock up myself and study my identity in Ephesians. Study until you know who you really are in Christ. Because as Joyce Meyer would say, we are not truly free until we are free from the fear of people.


Therefore, It is the consistent, personal, prayers and daily meditations in the word of God that help us bounce back in our faith and help us mature in living right. Yes, I am righteous. While on my way to maturity.


“But what about accountability?” Someone may ask, “Does that mean I am righteous regardless? So I can continue to sin?” This is the topic I hope to address in my next blog post.


God Bless you and stay tuned!


What do you think about this post? Let us know.

			

			

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
		
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

								
					
				
							
					
				
			
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			


				
					

			
					


											
								My Flight, Pressure and Uncertainties; Four (4) Ways We Can Trust God In Uncertainties In Life.							
					
															
My Flight, Pressure and Uncertainties; Four (4) Ways We Can Trust God In Uncertainties In Life.

					
					
 by  | Aug 9, 2022 | Inspirations

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
On July 8th, 2022, our long-envisioned trip finally arrived.  Our move from Canada to California, USA was right in front of us. With excitement, we scurried to find our seats on the plane; eagerly waiting for our plane to take off.  




kids’ happy voices drifted across the aisle, as they chattered, pretending to be video recording their experience. Soon the plane started moving and we began peering through the plane’s window; wowing and aweing at the breathtaking patterns forming down below. From the refreshments on the plane to the reverie of a new life in America, the one without snow, our three-hour trip was splendid, exciting, and thrilling. Until a little while later, it wasn’t.


 


As the plane descended, I started feeling some pressure. A steady vibration in my ears; like a bell clanging inside my eardrum. Beside me lay my daughter, slouched on her seat and half asleep. I tried to hold back my tears as I felt my brain about to explode. 


Just then, like the sudden attack of an armed band, my daughter gave out a loud wail. Throwing her hands out in the air and mouth wide open, “Help me, help me!” she screamed. The humming noise of the plane muffled the shout.




“Help! my ears, my ears, the scream continued. Clearly, all suggestions to yawn or chew did not bring her any relief. Next, the cry cranked up. “Make it stop! Make it stop!” The aching pain and screeching persisted for the next 15 minutes. Thankfully, we landed safely. However, the pain, drama, and distress of our landing experience almost sucked out the joy of our entire flight.


Well, thinking back now; in the thrill of our trip, I forgot that plane landing isn’t always as much fun as its take-off. Similarly, in life’s journey, our flight often starts out beautifully until life takes a gradual or a sudden swivel. 




We transition to seasons that leave us disoriented, clueless, or incapable. From health issues to financial issues; losing a job to losing a loved one; from being single to being espoused, or from married to divorced; uncertainty, they say is the only certainty. 


 


Though life drips with uncertainty or troubles (John 16:33). “We are also certain that the path of the righteous shines brighter and brighter until the perfect day according to Proverbs 4: 18. 




And while my unpleasant ear pain lasted for about 20 minutes with no life-shattering result, life’s pain usually lasts longer. Like the agonizing pressure in my ear, the pressures of life startle and besiege us with doubts.




They permeate other aspects of life and suck our joy and strength. How then do we ensure that amidst shock, and pain, our lives can still shine and reflect the glory of God? How can we intercept the downward loop?


I am convinced that the accuracy of what/who we trust and the depth of our trust determines how well our lives reflect God’s glory at difficult moments and subsequently.


Presently, I’m in a new season of life where I’m transitioning to being a stay-at-home mom; after a long period of a regimented 9-5 work life.




I have new and uncertain issues like; being on one steady family income; maximizing my time and talents; knowing where and how to serve in a local church; navigating the nuances of kids’ new school and school culture. 


Perhaps like me, you find yourself in an uncertain, stressful, or awkward situation as well. I hear the Lord saying to you and me. “Trust me!” Set your gaze on me and don’t run from pillar to post. So, for the rest of this writing, I’ll focus on the four (4) ways we can trust God in difficult times.


 


Before we proceed, let’s ponder what trust in God really is.


To trust God is to have a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, and strength of God. This is 100% confidence that God is able and willing to help you and me in that struggle.


Four Ways to Trust God in Uncertainties of Life


 


1. Let God Be Your First Resort




Kenneth Hagin once said, “You are always right when you do the first things first”




Who or what do we first think of when we face challenges? Do we think of friends, a spouse, parents, a pastor, books, or Google? 


Friends, spouses, parents or Google may carry a portion of knowledge, but only God is Omniscient —All-knowing. 


Yes, we may need to gain certain skills, and be informed, however, consulting all others should come after we have enlisted the help of the Almighty, the source of all Wisdom.


Jeremiah 17:5 says “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD. He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.”




Basically, anything/ any person that we look up to will not stand the test of time. Only God, the Holy Spirit — who knows our strengths, weaknesses, specific situations, and life purpose can instruct us on how to best apply the body of knowledge for our best result. 


Read here in Omotayo’s story, How He Learned This Truth The Hard Way.


Practical Ways to Seek God:


    

  • Prioritize and carve out time for daily devotions with God
    • 





    

  •  Set apart special times or days to seek God in fasting and praying to understand God’s plans for you.
    • 





    

  •  Turn off distractions (social media, phones) to be still in God’s presence and to worship Him
    • 





    

  • Locate related materials (books, videos) in areas of need and exert energy in building up your faith.
    • 



In that job situation, life-threatening sickness, or in studies; before we plan, or consult others, let’s take time to seek God. And let’s seek Him early through prayer and the Word(Psalm  63:1). In developing a habit of hearing God, we set a pattern of our lives to always align with God’s will.


 Trusting God in Uncertainties of Life


2.   Engage God’s Instructions and Follow Through


 




“A faith that makes God responsible for everything in your life is not a responsible faith.” — David Oyedepo




For many years, I struggled with maths. Now, one of my daughters also struggles with maths. I observed her attitude toward math, and I finally realized that like me, she often ignores the simple instructions that would have led to the correct answer.


She’ll sometimes want to guess the answer even without putting pen to paper. Many complex math problems won’t simplify without actively engaging the instructions at different steps.


Similarly, many life complexities won’t simplify without actively engaging the creator’s specific instructions.  When we come to God in prayer, He will often instruct our hearts. As we carefully engage those instructions — regarding finances, health challenges, relational issues, or studies — we prove our faith.




For we cannot say that we have faith when we do not prove it by our actions (James 2: 14-17). Even bible characters like Naaman, Abraham, Moses, and Noah, who faced difficulty received instruction at strategic points in their lives. Only as they diligently heeded God’s instructions did they overcome their storms.  


What are you anxious about? Have you developed an attitude of seeking God? Has God instructed you? Have you engaged His instructions?  As we do what the Holy Spirit instructs us, whether to fast, forgive, sow a seed, or just to wait; we commit God to act through our obedience.


Here’s Amaka’s story of How Through Simple Instruction, God Provided Financially To Offset Debt 


Some indexes to measure your trust level


    

  •  How promptly do we obey God?  “And Abraham rose up early the next morning to go kill his son” Gen. 22:3
    • 

  • Do we engage or ignore those seemingly strange requests of God?
    • 

  • Why should Naaman dip himself seven (7) times in the river Jordan?” 2 Kings 5:1-15.
    • 

  • Why river Jordan and not a river in Syria?
    • 



Practical Steps to Trusting God


    

  1.      Before you study the word or Pray, ask the Lord to speak to you
    2. 

  2.      In personal or corporate worship/prayer, have a notebook beside you to note down God’s instructions. You show in this way that you’re expecting God to speak to you, and He will. This also helps you make God’s instructions definite.
    3. 

  3.      Keep being in the word and in prayer. In His presence, we receive strength to act on His instructions. (Philippians 2:13).
    4. 



3.     Be Consistent


Jericho’s wall did not fall on the 1st-day march nor the 2nd- day march but until the seventh day and only after the seventh march and a long blast (Joshua 6: 1- 20).




Naaman’s skin did not get healed on his 1st dip in the river Jordan nor on the 2nd or on the 3rd dip in the river.


 He only got healed after his 7th dip (2 Kings 5: 1-15). As a result, we may not experience fullness in that pending difficulty unless we, through the strength of God, consistently obey. For, if the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves on the earth” — Ecclesiastes 11:3.


In my own life, many times, I’ll eagerly set out in obedience. However, as my feelings subside, I’ll begin to slack. This isn’t God’s best for us.


For It is not the one time or the two times that we obey that establishes God’s best in that issue — in marriage, parenting, or finances. It is our habit of obedience and our consistency. Our complete obedience justifies God to punish all injustice that befalls us (2 Corinthians 10:6).


Here’s Taiwo’s story of How God Provided Money And a Job Through a Season of Consistency.


Finally…


4.    Having Done All Else, Stand!


Does trusting God exempt us entirely from a harsh, hard or difficult flight? Does it mean things will always work as we planned? I don’t believe so.


    

  • Have you ever wondered, “Why Moses didn’t enter the promised land amidst his faithfulness?
    • 





    

  • “Why did Job lose all his possessions, his business, his children, and his servants in one day despite his integrity?
    • 





    

  • “Why did Lazarus die even though Jesus, the Healer, was His friend?
    • 





    

  • “Why didn’t John the Baptist get delivered from Prison? Why was he beheaded, even after ushering the deliverer of the universe into the world?
    • 





    

  • “Why did Jesus, the saviour of the whole Universe, with all His power and ability not save himself?”
    • 



 


Well, you may say that Moses did not enter because of anger and that Job later regained his possessions and children. You wouldn’t be wrong if you answered Lazarus resurrected back to life, and that Jesus rose from the dead. 


 More so, from John the Baptist’s life, we can intelligently say that God’s silence does not always mean that we missed God. However, the only reason you would answer this way is that you now know the full story.


 The curtain of history opened, and we peeped to see the whole picture. In like manner, a full stop hasn’t punctuated our lives yet. So we may sometimes be puzzled just as these heroes and their relatives would have been.  


 


In addition, like Mary and Martha, when God seems silent as we watch loved ones suffer in sickness,  when we see a friend, suffer the loss of their spouse; when we see kids orphaned at such a young age, you may ask, “God where are you?” you feel horribly disappointed; you feel maligned, hurt, and even forgotten. 




This is the time to consider that in God’s silence, He still speaks. God brings us to a deeper level of love and intimacy. At the very right time, the Lord showed Mary a deep level of intimacy and His power that wasn’t revealed to anyone at that time. 


He proved to them He was the resurrection and the life ( John 11:25). Yes, while it seemed time had gone by, opportunities had been missed; a brother had been lost, God’s glory still shone in Mary and Martha’s lives.


Therefore, you and I will have a safe landing at our destinations. We will shine until the perfect day as we habitually seek God first, engage his instructions, and consistently submit to Him. For even in death, He is our resurrection and our life (John 11:25).


Read here in Hepzibah’s story, how God revived a dying hope and life. 


  Some Questions to Gauge Our Trust In God


    

  • Have you stopped believing in God?
    • 





    

  • Are you actively meditating on the word?
    • 

    • 

  • Are you actively declaring God’s word over the situation?
    • 





    

  • Are you still having fellowship with other spiritually-minded Christians?
    • 





    

  • Have your communication/ prayers weakened?
    • 



 


 Blessings!


Share your thoughts with us.


 

			

			

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
		
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

								
					
				
							
					
				
			
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

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								Hef-zibah’s Story—My 18 Days Battle							
					
															
Hef-zibah’s Story—My 18 Days Battle Continued.

					
					
 by  | Mar 16, 2022 | Healings, Inspirations, True Life Stories

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
You know the saying that you don’t know what you have until it is missing. Well, I then knew that I had a fantastic marriage. Regretfully, I started recalling the trivial things that I’d previously gotten angry over. Like hubby playing video games. If only my husband were here playing video games. I reminisced about my husband’s relentless encouragement. He would often say, Write new songs, practice your guitar, practice your singing, get better. Now, I tried to do those things, but he wasn’t here to see me.


 


Despite all, Lola wouldn’t give up on me. She called me every day for 18 days straight. Every midnight she would call me, and we would pray for hours, each time persuading me to actively participate. My brother-in-law also came through for me. I was stymied in visiting my husband at the hospital, but my brother-in-law would occasionally visit. One time, he put through an audio call where we got the whole family to speak with hubby. And when it got to my turn, I started singing. Slowly and gradually, my husband started to move. He wiggled his toes and finally opened his eyes. The nurse rushed in to check if everything was fine. She stood in amazement. she said, “Do you know how many drugs we have used to sedate him?” She wasn’t expecting him to wake up quite yet. We have used three (3) different sedatives to knock him out, the nurse pointed out. “If he is responding this good, maybe in two or three days he’ll be out of here”. And with that slender glimmer of hope, my heart was strengthened.


 


I hear a different story. Only two days later, the hospital notified me that my husband had gotten worse. I don’t get it. “Are you people conducting an experiment with my husband?” I raged. There is a different thing attacking the lungs, the doctor answered. It’s bacteria; He’s having pneumonia. I wondered what they were doing there at the hospital. How can we bring a patient to the hospital, and he’s getting worse? This is nonsense! “I hollered at my brother-in-law in frustration. I was upset.


 


The next time the doctor called me, I demanded to know what they were doing to my husband. Oh, we ran a test, the doctor replied. “He has a strong cough, which is good, but it is not good for the machine. He is fighting the machine, so he needs to relax”. “Give me the names of the drugs” I insisted as if I knew all about drugs. “I got the names and began researching drugs used on COVID patients.


The hospitals were swamped. On Saturday when my brother-in-law went to visit hubby at Peter Lougheed hospital, the previous one-to-one 1:1 patient/ nurse arrangement had suddenly turned to one nurse to three patients. Next, I hear that they’ve moved my husband to Foothills, the hospital that I initially wanted him taken to. But no one informed me before they moved him. Upon that, they wouldn’t let me see my husband and it is one week now.


At Foothills, the nurse called me as the next of kin with surprise news. She told me they had iPads that patients could use to talk to relatives. I still couldn’t visit – except it was the end of life. I was elated.  I was overjoyed to see my husband ‘virtually’ for the first time after a time that seemed like forever. My husband could barely keep his eyes open when I saw him. He heard my voice and opened it before shutting them again.   ‘’ His lips were as dry as the desert. However, the nurse assured me she’ll take care of him here. I spoke and sang to him for about 30 mins to 1 hour. With the many requests from family, in the following days, we set up a video call with our extended family from Canada, the US, and Nigeria. We all saw him, oh what a heartwarming time!


I received a new report on Tuesday: He might have caught a bug. My husband’s eyes were entirely red-shot. ‘’What is this, how did this happen?” I questioned. The Nurse wasn’t sure.  The nurse thought it might have to do with the move. “I need to speak to a doctor” I demanded. I just want to let you know your husband is doing well. The doctor tried to console me. But the nurse just told me otherwise.  “What is happening there?” I fumed. Oh no, he said, “Looking at it from all his charts, I am telling you he is doing well. We are looking for ways to get him out of Coma. “I need to know the truth, is he doing better or worse?”. My heart was begging for answers.


 


That evening the nurse called me back. Possibly scolded for giving me that information, he said the test came back. My husband did not catch any bug and he’s even virus-free. “You mean, no more COVID virus?” Yeah! Hallelujah! I screamed in excitement. “Can you make an exemption for me to visit now?” I inquired excitedly.  Since my quarantine would end the next day, the nurse said I could come that day. I took that invitation with a grain of salt. I reasoned, why were they suddenly asking me to come? Perhaps it was the end of my husband’s life, and this may be a trick to lure me in to see him. I was afraid.  The doctor called me the following day, reiterating their exception for me to come to visit. Now, aghast, I wondered If I could get myself to visit the hospital.  I eventually summoned the courage to go see my husband that fateful Wednesday. I walked past a room – covered with a transparent curtain- and I couldn’t even recognize my husband’s frame. He was semi-conscious with very many tubes, and wires connected all around him.


 


When I asked to speak to a doctor that Wednesday, I got to speak with a resident doctor since most doctors had left for the day. I asked about the condition of hubby’s health and if there were any hopes of us leaving soon?  The resident doctor said that many patients get to stay in the hospital for three (3) months “What three months?” I lashed out.  I rejected that prophecy. At the hospital that Wednesday evening, however, I was asked to come the next morning if I wanted to see the head doctor. Meanwhile, I and Lola had been praying that my husband would come out, as in, walk out the door by his birthday, Friday just 2 days away. Lola would ask me to point to the door. We prayed that the Lord would order his angels to get him out of the hospital. We said you will walk through this door; you will come back for your birthday.


Thursday was the last day the head doctor watching over my husband since arriving Foothills would be around, so that would be the last chance to see him.  My request was “Please Lord, bring him out of COVID. Eventually, they opened visitation to me from 9 am to 9 pm. Another friend reminded me that there was Wi-Fi at the hospital, and I could work from there since I was working from home. I jumped at that idea. Then there’ll be no excuse not to visit.  I packed my things and left for the hospital. About shortly past 9 am that Thursday morning I was at the hospital, waiting for the doctor to do his rounds. The rounds were delayed. Finally, at 12:00 noon I got to talk to the Doctor.


 


Yet another conflicting report. This time the respiratory therapist informed me that they needed to take my husband off the ventilator, however, the doctor tells me something different.  I felt lied to, so I called my friend in Nigeria. I complained, the doctor says this, and the nurse says this, whose report should I believe?” We shall believe the report of the Lord”. My friend thundered. “His report says your husband is healed; His report says he is well.” Before the doctor came in that day, the respiratory therapist said they tried lowering the ventilator support for my husband, but then he started to cough.  I begged the respiratory therapist to test my husband again, “I’m sure, he will do well”. Well, immediately after the first test, the nurse insisted they change his position.’’ The moment they changed his position, my husband reacted.  His BP started rising and thus they halted the test.


During the rounds later that afternoon, the respiratory therapist reported that they tried to do the test this morning, but he didn’t do well. The doctor said it wasn’t ethical to keep his mouth open for more than 12 days. Seeing that my husband had passed that mark, they planned to do surgery (incision to his throat) the next day. ‘’ Tomorrow is his birthday! It is not the day to cut anybody’s throat’’ I lamented. Then the doctor remarked that I ought to be grateful my husband was still alive as many had died in this situation.


On my way to the hospital Friday the next day, I called the nurse to inform her that I was on my way. She replied, “Just come, nothing is happening for Him today “. In my mind, I said it is a lie. That morning, on Cover2Cover we read of the children of Israel, finally leaving Egypt and I felt that was a sign. Today is his birthday. Something will happen. Surprisingly that Friday on his birthday, a new doctor arrived. This doctor, Dr. Chip was sent from heaven. The doctor empathized, “What can a hospital give to a man on his birthday? Let us try to bring him out of the coma”. There were some hesitations with the new respiratory therapist. However, she later obliged. Anyway, long story short. They planned to do one test. And if he breathes by himself in the three (3) hour test period without any help from the ventilator, they’ll take him out of the coma. Then I asked the respiratory therapist, “What are you looking out for?” “His oxygen needs to be at 96 /94 without the support of the machine.” Right away, this became our new prayer point


Instantly, I sent out words to friends to please pray for my husband ‘’ They are running a test. Please pray, so that they can bring him out today”. In that whirlwind of medical activities, I paced to my husband and held his hands. I whispered to him saying, “You have to relax. Breathe and pass this test, so we can go home. Ok?” He nodded—he could communicate by nodding, blinking, or wiggling his toes.


 


Meanwhile that day, I asked my husband if we should release or pause the song we had previously planned to release on his birthday— I could only ask yes/no questions. The song was a thanksgiving song ‘Exceeding Grace’, I personally thought we should wait until everything was ok.  He gestured that we should carry on with releasing the song. “How will we be praising and singing to God when we were still in the middle of this storm?” It didn’t add up. Anyway, by faith, we released the song.


 


I thank God for the new doctor. He did a great job defending us. I kept watching my husband’s oxygen during the test. After about two hours, I heard the respiratory therapist speaking with the doctor, outside. Saying, he is not doing well. The doctor told her don’t worry. Go ahead and do it. At worst, you will put him back into a coma. Then she complained again saying, it’s usually hard to put a patient back into a coma. “How did you put him in a coma at first? Did he give a problem when he was out at first?” The doctor asked.  She now said no. He didn’t really give many problems. I kept wondering, “Why are they saying the numbers aren’t good. The number seemed fine to me. He was breathing at the 96 mark the respiratory therapist mentioned. It was then that the nurse revealed to me that there were other numbers being looked at. They looked at how deep of a breath, and how long he was breathing for. With the doctor’s order to go ahead, they proceeded to take him out of the coma. At that same instant, a pastor, Rev. Chris Delvan from Kaduna State in Nigeria called my phone.


 


‘’I heard your husband is at the hospital, is he there with you? ‘’ I answered yes. He ordered me to hold his hands. He began to pray. He prayed, declaring that every chain of darkness be taken off him now. Almost at the same time, right before my eyes, all the cords, and tubes that had been wound all over his neck and body were being removed.  The pastor continued” We lose everything off his body. They were now removing the gigantic balloons that they put in his throat. Everything! Ah, it was like deliverance! The respiratory therapist then asked, can you open your eyes? He opened his eyes. Can you say something? In fact, before the completion of the sentence. He screamed “Aaaahhhh”. she asked can you talk to us; He said in a croaky and hoarse voice “Hello”. But that voice was music to my ears. The most beautiful thing I had heard. Before we knew it, my husband’s phone started ringing. Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday. The breathing continued. By the grace of God, he could sustain himself without the ventilator. Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Praise … the Lord! Hallelujah.


True to Genesis 50:20: “As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this…to preserve the lives of many people.” To God be all the glory! Oh, what a merciful God we serve!


 


Man is prone to error but God does not make mistakes; he will hold fast to His promises. Let’s search them out and use them as keys of the Kingdom of Heaven to petition for the miracles Christ wants to give you and receive them with Thankfulness!


Here are Some of My Takeaways.


Takeaway #1 Praise works wonders


Takeaway #2: Carefully choose your inner circle who can pray with you through a storm


Takeaway #3: God is real, His miracles are real, and His love and mercy are most real!


Takeaway #4: Even though he was still in a coma, my husband said let us praise God. Even though we had not seen everything we wanted, he said let us praise God. That is faith


Takeaway #5: Don’t station your faith in God based on the pain and distress of the moment, anchor your faith on the unchanging, inerrant word of God. And locate people who will remind you when you’re swamped in your troubles.


Takeaway #6: Choosing to continue doing what God instructs us even when it bites is proof of our faith in God.


Indeed, I will exalt you, Lord,  for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. Lord my God, I called to you for help,  and you healed me.




 You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit. Sing the praises of the Lord, you, his faithful people; praise his holy name.


For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favour lasts a lifetime weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:1-5)




 

			

								
					
				
							
					
				
			
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

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								Hef-zibah Story — How the Pandemic First Braced and then Rocked My Life							
					
															
Hef-zibah Story — How the Pandemic First Braced and then Rocked My Life

					
					
 by  | Dec 8, 2021 | True Life Stories



				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
—A Story from Hef-zibah in Calgary


 


Before 2020, we were productive and used to being swamped. Sounddior, our music school in Calgary was thriving. We scampered through the day and raced to the finish line of every day. Hearing children’s excited voices drifting in and out of our house delighted us. We were making music, learning songs, teaching piano and guitar lessons. We were sharing our lives, engaging our passions, and connecting with our students. What more could we ask for? Everything seemed great.


Our basement-turned-classroom became a treasured place to many of our students. It thrilled myself and my husband to serve and minister to our pupils in this area. We loved those kids; we adored them and didn’t mind giving them our best. The only problem however, was that the pressures of holding a full-time job and running our music school were relentless.


In catering to the occasional needs of our students —snacks, after lesson entertainments, pick-ups, and drop-offs and ever so often, child-minding — we unwittingly blurred the lines between business and our personal lives. It was usual for us to make countless trips, picking up and dropping off students up until late into the evenings. As the excited moments mixed with unrelenting work turned to days, and the days rolled into weeks which dovetailed into months, our bodies gradually slipped into exhaustion.


 


Come Covid 19.


Do we move online or not?


In April 2020, we thought to move online. However we wondered if our students would willingly adopt the move to online school. We prayed that the Lord would let us retain at least half of our students. After much musing, we concluded that the benefits of going online far outweighed the fears of any unknown. We eventually took the leap of faith and plunged online. And much to our surprise, about eighty (80%) of our clientele transitioned online with us. The good part was that those who previously couldn’t enrol at our school because of distance could finally enrol. How sweet!


 


Not only did the Lord sufficiently supply for us in a season of economic upheaval, mental weariness, and surging uncertainty, He also rejuvenated our minds and bodies. Where we’d been previously too tired, too fast, too drowsy, too exhausted to continue enjoying the traces of joy, health, and blessings that were right in front of us, God slowed us down. He helped us to catch our breath and then to catch an even greater sight of Him.


 


The year 2020 ushered us into a place of new insights and increased opportunities. That’s why this Christmas, we couldn’t help but say, “Thank you Lord! How great thou art, oh Lord! How great Thou art! We are so grateful for all you’ve done and continue to do! Thank you, Jesus!”


Now, I’d like to say that this was the end of the story. But no, this was only the drive out of the driveway. The days that would follow led us through paths we had never treaded.  We clinched onto the edge of our seats desperately pleading for the ride to come to a halt. And when it did, our lives never remained the same. Kindly watch out for Part 2 of this story.


Like my friend Hef-zibah, this Christmas, let’s take some time to reflect on all our blessings.  As comely as presents, gifts sharing, sumptuous food, friends, family, light and decorations are, Christmas is so much more. It’s loving and truly appreciating the one, who steps into our mess to cleanse us, forgive us and reconcile us to the father. Amidst the bustle of the season, may we find the solitude to give Him our hearts.  For Proverbs 23:26 says ” My son give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways”. This is the reason Jesus came. And don’t forget to reach out and bless the less fortunate.


Merry Christmas to you and your family. And feel free to share with us what your blessings are in the comment below or better still  share your story.


 


Kindly check out our previous Christmas writings.


A Christmas Spoken Word / Poetry


Why Christmas? Three Reasons and its Promises


 


Stay tuned for Part two (2) of Hef-zibah’s story!


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

			

								
					
				
							
					
				
			
			

			

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
		
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			


				
					

			
					


											
								What is the Purpose of the Law – Dead to the Law?							
					
															
What is the Purpose of the Law – Dead to the Law?

					
					
 by  | Jul 13, 2021 | Inspirations



				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
The Christian is no better than a non-Christian, but he is infinitely better off. It is like two men on a plane, one of whom is wearing a parachute while the other is not. Neither is better than the other, but the man with the parachute is certainly better off than the man who is not wearing a parachute. The difference will be seen when they jump from the plane at 20,000 feet. Jesus warned that if we “jump” into death without Him, we would perish. Culled from the School of Biblical Evangelism.


 


 


 


A Good Person


 


In a recent discussion with Dan a tall, smart-looking, teenager whom I met by the church walkway. We talked school, life and then God. As our talk traversed to morality, — right, wrong, and being good — Dan my new acquaintance revealed to me he was as good as most Christians.  ‘’ I am better than many people I know,” he maintains.   ”I try my best to be good. I tell a few lies occasionally; I curse a mite. However, I also do many good things: I volunteer ofttimes and usually donate to charity. I believe my good outweighs my bad, therefore I am a good person ‘’ He pronounced.


 


As genuine as Dan sounded, I see two misconceptions with this thinking. First, this reasoning exalts the idea that the law is a checklist for salvation. Second, this thinking exonerates the offender based on the feelings and perceptions of the same offender. Imagine with me that you accidentally poured a cup of filthy water or slurry on the dark-colored clothes you had on. This dirt, as filthy and horrible as it was, may not be obvious on that piece of clothing. You can quickly try to wipe off the filth off your cloth without it showing off as many dents and stains. Now, conjecture you pour this same dirty fluid on your immaculate white cloth. A drop of this fluid is likely to draw attention to the mess. The white clothing screams, help! I’m stained. I’m dented. I’m filthy.


 


 


 


The Law Highlights Sin


 


The law is like that immaculate white cloth. The same filthy liquid – that was tucked away by the dark colored material is highly accentuated by the pure white clothing. The law makes sin exceedingly sinful. When you and I engage in that ‘’tiny sin’’ – tell a little lie, gossip a little, shortchange our employer’s time and resources for personal time and benefit, take a sneak peek at that porn, lust for what others have, commit adultery or fornication, use the Lord’s name in vain. To you and I — the corrupt dark-colored piece of clothing. It appears as nothing; we understate wickedness and ill (Psalm 14:1) saying things like: It affects no one; no one sees it, it’s nothing; it feels good.


 


 


 


”Nothing in all of creation is hidden. Everything is laid bare before the eyes of whom we must give account ” (Hebrew 4:13). Now, because that ”tiny sin ‘ is exceedingly sinful in the eyes of God and because God is Holy, just and righteous, God must punish every wrong. Hence the payment of all sin is death (Romans 6:23)—sickness, dis -ease, confusion, pain, frustration, temporal and eternal condemnation and separation from God the source of life. In the same breath, God is exceedingly merciful and loving. He does not want for any of us to be subjected to the penalty of sickness, dis-ease, confusion, pain, frustration and eternal condemnation. God offered his son Jesus Christ who completely fulfilled ALL the law. And by extension, when we place faith in Jesus Christ, we satisfy the law in and through Jesus Christ (Romans 8:4).


 


 


 


The Good News


 


This is a gift. Not a reward, an entitlement or a salary. For God the father made Jesus Christ who knew no sin to be sin for you and me, so that we can be made right with God (2 Cor 5:21). In other-
 words, Jesus took upon Himself your ”tiny sin” The gossip, those evil inclinations of your heart, the backbiting, the fornication, homosexuality, pornography. He was punished for your sake so that your death penalty — sickness, dis -ease, confusion, pain, frustration, temporal and eternal separation from the source of life — is totally cancelled and annulled in Him.


 




 We must not reduce godliness to deeds but to an unwavering, consistent desire for more of Jesus Christ.




 


For the non-christian, who accepts this free gift, he dies to the law through the crucified body of Christ. Meaning that he no longer looks to the law in and by itself to justify him. When he yields, — surrenders, bows, clings, unites to Christ Jesus, the one who was raised from the dead, then he begins to bear good fruit for God (Romans 7:4). My friend, if you haven’t already, will you choose to unite with Christ Jesus today and be discharged from the power of sin and addiction? Are you tired of the life of purposelessness, a life of fear, anxiety, panic, frustration, apathy, guilt, bondage and fear of death? What will you lose if you place your confidence in the one who’s lived long enough to know the end of a mere mortal? What will you give in exchange for your soul? (Mark 8:37). What would be your destination when you jump into death without Jesus Christ?


 


The Decision


 


This makes grace truly amazing: that Jesus takes all your rebellion and my pride, your filthy sexual perversions and my stinking self-righteousness and nailed them to the cross so that you and I can be made right with Him. If you totally surrender (give in, yield, submit, succumb) your whole existence —your thoughts, your time, your resources, your words, your relationships — to Him. If you accept this gift by making Jesus your Lord, your master and your teacher, Jesus will give you a new heart and a new desire (Ezekiel 36:26). Yes! He replaces all those mental strongholds of suicidal thoughts and anxiety and gives you His own thoughts, His own life. He makes you right with Him.


 


If you want to receive this gift of eternal life, please say this out loud (Romans 10:10) to the Lord right where you are. ‘’I am a sinner lost in wickedness and confused in darkness. I have sinned against you by my —-(name your sins). Please forgive me dear Jesus. Have mercy on me. I am very sorry for my sins against you. I today acknowledge that you are the son of God. You came to this world, and you took my sin so I don’t have to pay for them. I accept you today as my Lord and personal savior. This means that You will be my master and that you’ll be in charge of my life. I will devote time in study of your word to know you more. Please help me Lord.’’


 


If you declared this by faith and really meant what you said. You are now a child of God and are now (already) saved (Rom 10:10).
 Please listen to this video below to learn practical ways to grow your relationship with Jesus