| Look at the ring-like scar that sits on your belly. We call it navel or belly button. But I like to call it “our first mouth”. Let’s face it; there was a time in our lives when we fed through the umbilical cord. This “mouth” was connected to our mothers’ placenta when we were in the womb, and was used to provide oxygen, nutrients and even transfer our waste to the outside world. During this phase of our lives, the mouth we currently use to eat was being developed. We got to a stage of maturity where our ‘first mouth’ had to be sealed, so that the other mouth could take full pre-eminence.
Anytime I see my belly button, I remember that life is in stages. Most times, different channels of nutrients and waste come with every stage. What generated income for you yesterday may be locked up today. Don’t keep looking back, because a baby doesn’t feed through the umbilical cord after it is born. The people that were instruments in lifting you up yesterday may want to pull you down today. Know when to run. It is commonly said that “a nest is good for a robin while it is an egg, but it is bad for a robin when it has wings”. Sometimes the line between success and failure may just be the ability to know when to leave the nest of our lives.
‘Moses’ may lead us out of Egypt , but it is ‘Joshua’ that will lead us to the promise land. Learn to know when someone stops leading you. Conditions will always change on the outside, especially as we mature in the things of God. Let’s be sensitive to see the new door that God is opening rather than singing the “things are getting bad” song of the world. For “He has set the right time for everything. He has given us a desire to know the future, but never gives us the satisfaction of fully understanding what he does”. (Ecclesiastes 3:11- GNB). Don’t be shocked to see some closed door this year; don’t be too naive to decipher the numerous doors of opportunities that God will bring your way. Be sensitive to know when to turn.
tope aladenusi |
| Some years ago, just before I was called up to compulsorily serve my nation for one year under the NYSC (National Youth Service Corp) scheme; I had series of experiences which I rashly concluded from. A lot of them relate to efforts made in keeping up the heat of my Christian faith just like it was back then in school. In two different circumstances, I can recollect that I got so easily tired when I returned from work; still I endeavored to religiously look at some pages of the bible and equally prayed. As the norm was, electrical power outage in the evenings made me put on candles to light the room each time I got home; but on several occasions I slept off either while reading, just finishing, or yet praying. At the point of switching into the snoring mood before being transported to dream land, I surprisingly felt the tap of someone and spontaneously responded by waking up. Thereafter, I discovered the candles were completely burnt, and the coconut shell they were placed on was also burnt; while the heat also had imprinted marks on the carpet through the coconut shell. In all these experiences, I got so amazed why the carpet and the room did not burn. Honestly, if I did not experience it and someone told me of the story, I probably would not have believed it but concluded it as one of those cooked up stories for testimonies. Most experiences I have heard of, those involved never had the opportunity of being alive to tell the story.
Sincerely speaking, it got me thinking and I remember saying to myself that “there was more to my life”. However, I recently realized that it wasn’t just that but there is indeed a power at work within the believer that sees him through every circumstance. Sincerely speaking, there is actually more to the life of the believer as confirmed in the bible… we have been called according to purpose. I now fully understand why and how such events like that actually happened.
Lately in a related development, precisely some weeks ago, I hurriedly made use of the pressing iron while rushing out of the house to work. Unknowingly, I forgot to put off the switch when I was through. It was actually left on throughout the whole day till I returned from work. Coincidentally, on my way back from work that evening, I discovered that there was an inexpressible joy within me; I actually got the feel right. As I walked through the gate into the house, I danced and sang hymns that I sang last some years ago. Deep down within me, I asked what could be responsible for this. While still attempting to unravel the mystery behind my sudden ecstasy, I opened the entrance door and straightaway perceived the smell of a pressing iron that was long in use. In a swift move, I ran to where it was placed as if that could save the situation that event could have possibly taken advantage of before my arrival. I knew that the pressing iron would have probably being on for almost the whole day.
As I sat to think over this, it occurred to me why I was in such a joyful mood, and equally remembered that the previous three consecutive nights it was like someone has been waking me up in the midnight to pray. Normally because of tiredness resulting from work, I do not stay too long in the night to pray except on a weekend but I realized that during those nights, once I obey the nudge, I receive an unusual strength to pray for a longer period. It can not be denied that the move to pray the previous nights was to avert the pending hazard; even some other ones I am not aware of elsewhere that may involve friends, well wishers or family members. Such nights are nights I use in praying very well in the spirit.
As a result of this recent event, I immediately recollected that the experiences mentioned earlier i.e. before my service year (NYSC), there were several times I had the nudge to rise and pray in the night, though obedience was not total in all those nights. I therefore reconfirmed that it was needful for us to be aware that the Holy Spirit residing in us through our spirit recreated after God’s own is actually at work and never sleeping even when we are. He never leaves when we have disobeyed him but our consciences think so sometime. He is truly a friend indeed and in need. The next time you are woken up in the night take advantage of it to pray. Who knows what you could be addressing in the spirit realm.
adeyiga awomuti |
Bible Reading: Genesis 39
Have you ever met people who seem to stop you from progressing in life?
You get due for promotion, and they get a good excuse to fire you or keep you stuck;
You thought the relationship will end up in marriage, but they fired the separation missiles;
The contract was to be signed in your favour, but the decision was overturned because of him;
They gave you their right hand of fellowship in ministry, but are backstabbing you when you thought you needed them most …
Your brethren all over the world experience similar things. It is one distinguishing factor of believers. Such experiences usually surface as God’s master plan unfolds in our lives. The experience of Jesus Christ is a classical example. Here’s the testimony –
“The experts of our day haven’t a clue about what God’s eternal plan is. If they had, they wouldn’t have killed the Master of the God-designed life on a cross”. I Corinthians 2:8 (MSG)
The Jews thought they were experts and interpreted that by killing Jesus, they were achievers. Well, they were achievers in a way they did not understand. They helped drive him to the zone where his life purpose was fulfilled; where he paid the price for our redemption. It’s the same way Potiphar’s wife in Genesis 39 did not have a clue that she was accelerating Joseph’s move to the throne by throwing him into prison. Who are those who claim to be experts over your life?
Let them struggle to close the door at you. If the door really gets close, then most probably it is a back door that is not meant for royal people like you. There may be somewhere else you need to look at. Sometimes we face the heat and say “Lord, take this cup away from me”. But he reminds us “the experts don’t have a clue of my plan”; they are just helping to drive you from your sluggish zone to your destiny zone. The circumstances are just intended to make you better and not bitter, so you will be equipped to fulfil your purpose. I call them “destiny accelerators”. I have seen them driven many believers to the place where purpose was fulfilled.
So don’t get distracted when some experts cannot understand you. Keep on basking in the grace God.
– tope aladenusi
Leading a set of people Moses called “rebels” would not be easy. Joshua really needed encouragement:
“Be strong and of a good courage” Joshua 1:6. The Lord told him.
He knew what he went through: wars, flight for his life, temptations, pestilence…
He did not forget to leak the secret to his son, who was to take over the kingship.
“And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage”
I Chronicles 28:20
What other encouragement do we need in this life of warfare?
When you are in need…
When trials and temptations abound…
Persecution keep coming left and right…
No child yet, mockery from friends and relatives…
No job, no food, poverty seems to be enveloping you day by day…
Just lost your loved ones, life seems to have no meaning anymore…
Earthquake, fire engulfed all you have in life, seems like there is no hope for tomorrow…
Only be thou strong and very courageous… for… If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Joshua 1:7, Matthew 7:11
okenna obi-igbokwe
Matthew 19:26
Are you HIV positive? Do you believe your status can change to Negative?
With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Were your certificates burnt in a fire incident? Don’t you think you can get a good job without certificate?
With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Have you lost your womb? Haven’t it occurred to you that you can have a miracle baby?
With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
It does not end here.
Have you taken lives and committed so much atrocity? Is it not possible for all you sins to be forgiven and you are accepted as a friend again?
With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Is it possible you live your youthful life without immorality, not even a thought of it?
With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Do you doubt you can hit your sales target without lies or deceit?
With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Do you believe you can live a holy life in this present world?
With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Can one be perfect in this life?
“And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” Luke 18:27
Is it breakthrough in our health, daily provision, our spiritual life; no matter how difficult it seems to be, God can do it. “…He hath done all things well:” Mark 7:37
Do not lose hope. Keep “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;” Hebrews 12:2
“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of Christ:” Ephesians 4:13.
– okenna obi-igbokwe
Bible Reading: John 1:43-51
Most great visions were at one time or the other ridiculed by someone. It is natural for some men to assess you based on how you look now. That is why when they hear about your ideas, they consider it a joke. They cannot just imagine that you can excel where others have settled for mediocrity. They find it difficult to fathom how what is in the world today can transform into what you see in your mind. But if only you will hold on to your dream; if only you will run with the vision; if only you will give it all it requires; sooner than you think, we will see in the world what you currently see in your mind.
Let me share two striking quotes with you, and I hope you learn from it:
“This ‘telephone’ has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication.” —Western Union memo, 1876
“There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.” — Ken Olson,President of Digital Equipment Corp. 1977
Surprising!!! The telephone and computer that nearly everyone uses today was once seen as impossibility. The computers at that time were manufactured in limited quantities for professionals; their size was massive. So it would not make sense then if someone said that the massive structure would be reduced to the size of a palm. Remember Ken was not a layman. But you know as much as I do that the ideas in the minds of some have made it a norm to have computers in our homes.
I read in Bible that when Phillip told Nathaniel about the presence of Jesus Christ inNazareth, his response was “can anything good come out of Nazareth?” That is why I’m not moved when some ‘men of God’ tell me that I am too ambitious after they just get a glimpse of some of our ministry plans. Sometimes I even say to them that ‘if only you knew my father in heaven, you will realize that what you call ambitious may be obnoxious when compared to his standard. If God has not set a limitation on us, why should we do ourselves a disservice by placing limits around our vision? If God has not said ‘it is not possible’, why should we follow the voice of men who say so?
You are a person of unlimited abilities. If nobody in the world believes in you, I do. That is why we constantly send messages to let you know the level God wants you to operate. We believe you have a great future. Where you are now has less significance when compared to the dreams you are conceiving; the direction you are facing; and the destination you are heading. Do not let men shape you up. Let God mould you. Do not be tossed hither thither by what others feel. Reach out consistently for your God-given goals. “He can who thinks he can. He can’t who thinks he can’t”. The ball is in your court. Value the instructions of your coach (God) more than objections of the spectators.
tope aladenusi
Human experiences reveal that various emotional expressions accompany our numerous challenges in life. For example, shock accompanies a bitter experience while joy certainly accompanies a pleasing experience. It is naturally not possible for someone to put on a joyful countenance when he/she has just been overtaken by an unpleasing event rather, moodiness, regrets and even curses emanates from him/her.
One event that seems to have contradicted this natural law of expression is in Acts 16: 20-33, when Paul and Silas were arrested and remanded in prison for preaching the gospel. (They told the officials, “These Jews are upsetting our city! They are telling us to do things we Romans are not allowed to do.” The crowd joined in the attack on Paul and Silas. Then the officials tore the clothes off the two men and ordered them to be beaten with a whip. After they had been badly beaten, they were put in jail, and the jailer was told to guard them carefully. The jailer did as he was told. He put them deep inside the jail and chained their feet to heavy blocks of wood. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing praises to God, while the other prisoners listened. Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the jail to its foundations. The doors opened, and the chains fell from all the prisoners. When the jailer woke up and saw that the doors were open, he thought that the prisoners had escaped. He pulled out his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! No one has escaped.” The jailer asked for a torch and went into the jail. He was shaking all over as he knelt down in front of Paul and Silas. After he had led them out of the jail, he asked, “What must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Have faith in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved! This is also true for everyone who lives in your home.” Then Paul and Silas told him and everyone else in his house about the Lord. While it was still night, the jailer took them to a place where he could wash their cuts and bruises. Then he and everyone in his home were baptized [CEV]). Just like any other person, one would have expected that they spend that night crying, wailing, regretting and blaming themselves for yielding the call to preach or rather casting aspersion and curses on their maker who seemingly was not at their rescue at that moment; instead, He, their maker watched while they were being led to the prison yard.
Against all odds, a heart of worship was noticed in them, and they began to SING & PRAY, very strange and unbelievable reactions in the face of persecution. Obviously, when an earthquake occurred, the gates were thronged open and the soldiers were thereafter saved, it became clearer what can be achieved when we neglect norms and conventions to exercise ourselves in spiritual activities like praying and worshiping God.
Have you lately been accused wrongly? Do your challenges at work show hatred and plot against you? Is your business suffering from poor patronage & bad sales? Do you consider the frequency of unpleasing news coming to you as unbearable? Is your academics presently threatened by peer grades, lack of understanding? You don’t have to be cast down & cry, rather take time to pray and worship God. You will be shocked He will speak the way out to you during the process of praying.
– adeyiga awomuti
If there is anything I desire believers to ever ponder over, it is what comes to our minds next when all things seems alright. Most times, we kneel at the place of prayer especially after we’ve considered the greatness and urgency of our needs.
Right from when the thoughts of our hearts are set in motion at the blast of a new day whistle, to the night prayers on our beds, we mutter with our lips “hope deferred maketh the heart sick…, God let there be speedy response and solution to all these needs”.
However how late the prayer seems to be answered, or these needs seems to be met, people immediately forget the long duration of time the waiting process lasted. As a matter of fact, the heart rejoices just like a woman that has just been delivered of a baby, and straight away forgets the labouring period. Almost immediately, the time we spend kneeling to pray reduces, we immediately devote the ‘excess’ time to caring for the things just provided us. For example, if it is a car, we spend time admiring, cleaning, and maintaining it. Automatically, the hours spent in the prayer room becomes converted and transferred to the caring heart.
Pause a while and take a stock of your life; haven’t you stopped those serious prayers? Have the quality time usually spent in prayers reduced since those needs were met? This suggests to me that we most a times pray when we have needs and stop praying when they are met. By this, we walk contrary to Jesus and Paul’s admonitions in bible. “…men ought always to pray and not to faint” Luke18:1, “pray without ceasing” I Thessalonians 5:17.
– adeyiga awomuti