ZOE

"If I perish, I perish"; Esther's voice

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000Z

Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

Esther 4:15-16

When I read the Bible, I sometimes wonder about the person behind the words. I wonder if Esther ever felt scared when she proclaimed those words. Did she speak with 100% confidence or did she just say them to pacify her adopted father. The words sound so sure and so confident and yet I still wonder.

There was the law of the land, you do not go to the king without a summons. To do so was punishable by death except he stretched out his scepter to you. He hadn't sent for her in a month...he obviously must have been quite pre-occupied...hmm! Her first response to Mordecai was the law of the land, the facts of the case. Mordecai reminded her that she had a voice. That phrase 'for such a time as this' keeps reverberating in my head these days. What is it that God has assigned me to do 'for such a time as this.'

Esther didn't scream, she didn't shout but she did practice civil disobedience in stepping up to her husband the way she did. I believe in prayer and fasting, now more than ever. However, we can't end there. I believe that the beautiful master plan that played out in the last chapters of Esther was delivered to her as she was praying. It was divinely inspired. I believe that in prayer she found her voice, found the strength to what she had to do. Today we celebrate her but I want to go beyond that to emulate her.

I found it incredibly fascinating that although Esther was the main character, the words she actually spoke were few. It's not in how much you say but what you actually say. Not so much in how much we do but what we actually do. Her voice was to save her people, my voice may be to save my family, my church, my community, my nation. The most important thing is for me to find my voice and use it.

What about you?

Remain blessed.

ZoeB

Finding our voice..

2012-01-22T18:42:00.002Z

I am not what you would call a bold person, not really what you would call a courageous person. However, I am beginning to realise how important it is for one to find their voice. There is a difference between voice and sound. A voice can express itself in a whisper or a scream. I wouldn't whisper if I realised my best friend was crossing the road without looking and a lorry was about to hit them. I wouldn't scream while having a conversation with her about some personal choices she had made.

We all have a voice, some people are more vocal than others. Some voices are oral, some are written. A voice that stands out to me is the hazy image I have of an Indian man in a white robe who felt it was right for his people to be independent of British rule. We all have a voice. God gave it to us. Our voice is our purpose, what we are here for. Whatever it is, find your voice and use it.

God bless.

ZoeB

OccupyNigeria: Worth thinking about

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000Z

Some videos that really got me thinking..

iMeditate: Godly Leadership

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000Z

Selected verses from Nehemiah 5....

Now the men and their wives raised a great outcry against their fellow Jews.  Some were saying, “We and our sons and daughters are numerous; in order for us to eat and stay alive, we must get grain.” Others were saying, “We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards and our homes to get grain during the famine.” Still others were saying, “We have had to borrow money to pay the king’s tax on our fields and vineyards. Although we are of the same flesh and blood as our fellow Jews and though our children are as good as theirs, yet we have to subject our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but we are powerless, because our fields and our vineyards belong to others.”

When I heard their outcry and these charges, I was very angry. I pondered them in my mind and then accused the nobles and officials. I told them, “You are charging your own people interest!” So I called together a large meeting to deal with them and said: “As far as possible, we have bought back our fellow Jews who were sold to the Gentiles. Now you are selling your own people, only for them to be sold back to us!” They kept quiet, because they could find nothing to say.  So I continued, “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile enemies? I and my brothers and my men are also lending the people money and grain. But let us stop charging interest!  Give back to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves and houses, and also the interest you are charging them—one percent of the money, grain, new wine and olive oil.”   “We will give it back,” they said. “And we will not demand anything more from them. We will do as you say.”

Moreover, from the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, until his thirty-second year—twelve years—neither I nor my brothers ate the food allotted to the governor. But the earlier governors—those preceding me—placed a heavy burden on the people and took forty shekels of silver from them in addition to food and wine. Their assistants also lorded it over the people. But out of reverence for God I did not act like that. Instead, I devoted myself to the work on this wall. All my men were assembled there for the work; we did not acquire any land. Furthermore, a hundred and fifty Jews and officials ate at my table, as well as those who came to us from the surrounding nations. Each day one ox, six choice sheep and some poultry were prepared for me, and every ten days an abundant supply of wine of all kinds. In spite of all this, I never demanded the food allotted to the governor, because the demands were heavy on these people.

Remember me with favor, my God, for all I have done for these people.

Why I am Occupying..

2012-01-16T20:34:00.002Z

What I am about to share has been on my heart for a few days now and while it is a deviation from what I would normally write, I am learning how important it is to have a holistic view of life. As much as we yearn for eternity, right at this moment we live in this world. Jesus said 'We are in the world but not of the world' and sometimes I have this tendency to compartmentalise life into Christian and secular boxes when in reality it is really one life lived with Christ at the centre.

Since the announcement of the removal of the fuel subsidy in Nigeria, I will be lying if I said I have not been angry. In short, angrier than I had ever been before about things occurring in my nation. I saw prices of goods and services rising. I saw some people on minimum wage of N18,000, £72, $120 a month having the major part of their salaries obliterated by the sure increase in transportation costs. I saw an insensitive Government yet laying another burden on the people. A Government that asked people to sacrifice and tighten their belts and didn't show any good faith in tightening their own belts. A Government that calls basic amenities like healthcare, education, good roads, drinkable water palliatives. There is the economics of the subsidy, why its removal is good for the nation. There is the propaganda, how the fuel subsidy only helped the rich and not the poor. I shake my head and pray that I am wrong in thinking as a nation we have trod this path so many times. That this present administration lacks sincerity and compassion. That while we think we live in a democracy because we have elected leaders, the lack of freedom of the press and judiciary makes it seem we are not.

What I found interesting was the initial silence from believers. I sometimes think we confuse Paul's admonition for us to respect authority with keeping quiet in the face of evil. For to keep quiet when evil reigns is to condone it. A lot of people felt that our Christian leaders should have been more vocal with regard to the issues. While I am among that group, I respect people's right to do what they feel is right. The most important thing for me is doing what God wants us to do and not what is popular opinion. My grievance was and in some ways still is that a lot of these leaders publicly endorsed a particular candidate and used their influence amongst their congregation so now is not the time to claim separation between church and state.

It was encouraging to see some ministers finally speak up as a response to some criticism for the silence. For too long, the church has hidden behind 'Let us pray' and forgotten that prayer while being the MOST IMPORTANT FIRST step in transformation, it is not the only step. Jesus prayed in Gethsamane, his prayer so intense it was almost like drops of blood fell from his brow, this was his preparation for Golgotha. Esther prayed and fasted for her people, after which she went to face the king with the injustice about to be unleashed to the people even at risk to her life.

Other blogs have the facts and figures. The 2012 budget, the KPMG audit on NNPC, the SURE document etc. I am occupying because I feel in 2012, enough was finally enough. Occupying isn't personal, political, ethnic, religious. It is about Nigeria. It is about saying No to a system where corruption thrives and righteousness doesn't. A system where believers find it difficult to say No to compromise so they can earn a buck. Occupying isn't about insulting anyone but standing for truth. People are free to agree or disagree. For the first time in a long time, the people are united in their stand. I believe in a democratic society, people have a right to say NO in a peaceful manner. I am still praying for Nigeria and I hope we are all praying too because there must be a change. Things can no longer go on as they are.

He said 'Occupy till I come' which wasn't in reference to protesting but us taking our rightful place. Most importantly I must allow Him to Occupy me.

Remain blessed.

ZoeB

Detox

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000Z

Daddy

I woke up this morning singing 'I have seen the Lord's goodness, His mercy and compassion. I have seen the Lord's goodness, hallelujah, praise the Lord!'

I claim the words of this song to be my reality in Jesus name. Indeed You have been good to me and my family in the past. I know You will continue to do the same in my future. Dear God, I thought what I needed was a job, fit into that dress, and all the x things on my imaginary 'I will be happy when this happens' list and yet what this week has taught me is that when you choose to 'detox' be warned because all sorts of stuff is just going to start coming out of you....literally! The sugar shaking, the crankiness, the headaches on the physical side and now on the emotional end I am just realising how much resentment has been in my heart towards a, b and c.

Yesterday, I allowed a seed of mistrust lie in my heart and I know its because of the things I have refused to deal with from the past. Daddy, help me not to allow that seed germinate. Great thing about this process is not just the giving up of things you don't want in your system but taking in things that you do want. The fruit of the Spirit is love and Your word says we should love one another, deeply and sincerely to fulfil the call of Christ on our lives. Dear God, please be my guide and shield. This heart was not created to hold on to resentment and anger but to give love. My life was created to be a reflection of You. Help me Daddy to always say what needs to be said but to speak all truth in love.

Help me weed out bitterness and envy from my life. Tired of my 'woe is me' song lately. Please help me. My heart cries out to You. I believe in the transforming power of your love. You took Simon the flake and make him Peter the rock. At the cross we can drop our sin clad lives and receive righteousness, peace and joy. I want my life to be a true reflection of You. Lord it isn't about accumulating silver and gold but living and fulfilling purpose.

God thank You for being 'honesty' in our relationship. For showing me things about myself that You do not like. Not to condemn me but that I might be saved. Thank you for this season in my life, for the grace for this season. Thank You for strength in this season, thank you for joy in this season. Do what You alone can and may your awesome name always be glorified. May I always find rest in You. Now and always.

In Jesus name. So be it.

Much love

ZoeB

Open and Honest

2012-01-04T00:00:00.000Z

Dear Lord thank You. I'm so glad and blessed that I was in church yesterday. Pastor's message really spoke to my heart. Lately, it seems that all I can see around me is disorder, just as it was in creation. I call to mind the walls of Judah that had been destroyed and the sinking feeling Nehemiah must have had as he purveyed the walls. But You are not intimidated by the size of the problems and challenges I face. You did not stagger at the chaos present in the Beginning and I know You are definitely not overwhelmed now.

I know Your Word tells me to be anxious for nothing but prayerful about everything and that those who know their God are strong and do exploits. But I am weak, I feel like I have been buffeted by trials and tribulations on every side. It seems the battles just line up back to back. I have been weary because I have not waited on You. I haven't hidden in You as my refuge, haven't kept You as my refuge and shield. I did faint in the day of adversity, indicative that my strength was small.

All, including myself have sinned and fallen short of your glory. Your glory is how You intended for us to live. I know I have Lord but again I ask for your mercy. I want to be intimate with you again. Fall in love with you again, walk the line with You again. Today I just want to be honest about where I am and what I feel. You know and see all things anyway. I'm hurt, I'm tired and I'm angry. I'm hurt about the things that have happened* . Daddy I know that I shouldn't keep all this hurt and pain inside of me, its toxic and affecting me in so many ways yet I don't know what to do. A voice says 'Talk to me about it, tell me where it hurts.' It hurts deep inside, so deep that I don't know if I really want to reach inside and get to it because I don't know what else I'm going to find in there. Daddy, I believe that You have the power to transform lives, to turn things around and bring about a good change.

I commit them into Your hands, they need You more than ever. They need You to be their strength, shield and exceedingly great reward. They need You to show them the way back home. I just realised my truth. That even if it was proved without reasonable doubt that You didn't exist, I would still believe in You (what sort of scientist am I then...lol!) Lord this is a right hot mess that only You can fix. Please help us and please help me. I know weeping endures for the night but Lord please let the morning not tarry for it comes with my joy.

Thank you for always listening.

*I want to be as open in my prayers as I can but some issues involve other people and so I will not always give details. The point of this is not so much about the actions but the feelings. I hope you understand. Also the prayers in this series do not reflect where I am right now, by His grace I am in a very different place : )

Much love

ZoeB

Thanksgiving..

2012-01-03T00:00:00.000Z

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord

Psalm 150:6

Dear Lord thank You for allowing me see this day. For Your goodness and faithfulness, for keeping me alive. There is so much on the inside that I would really love to let go of but dear Lord as always I ask for your grace to stay on this journey to the end. It is a new day, I can hear the birds singing and I know I should be thankful.

Your Word says 'let everything that has breath praise the Lord.' Truth is at this moment, I don't feel like I have anything praiseworthy about but that is not actually truth, because despite everything, I know I can still say 'Thank you I am alive.' The Word doesn't say 'Let everything that has breath and FEELS LIKE, praise the Lord.' So I will praise You with every fibre of my being. I will praise You and give You thanks. For all you do and all you will continue to do.

Lord please keep me in this attitude today. One of thanksgiving, one that doesn't dwell on what has gone wrong or what is going wrong but one that dwells on your truth. I am comforted by Your word. In the beginning, the earth was without form and void, darkness on the face of the deep and yet despite the chaos you said 'Let there be light' and there was light. I'm grateful that You have the power and can shine light in the darkest of circumstances.

Pray I hold on to this word through my day.

Remain blessed

ZoeB

Prayers in the Valley...

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000Z

Wow! How much I have missed blogging. How has everyone been? This post is dedicated to my baby sister @doshix for your constant support, encouragement and kicks (in a good way) to return. And return I have.

It always surprises me when people ask me why I like to pray. Truth is its that its more that I just have to pray not that I like to...lol! Truth is that there have been periods when I have found it difficult to pray, when I haven't felt like and when I haven't wanted to either. Truth is prayer is a lot more than what we think it is and sometimes a lot less too.

I write most of my prayers. If you've followed this blog for any period of time I'm sure you'll know that already. Prayers in the Valley are prayers I have written over a period of time. They aren't polished, they don't reveal deep truths, the only thing I can say about them is that they are sincere. Prayer is talking to God, nothing more and nothing less and I am on a journey towards a place I call 'Authentic Christianity.' Christianity doesn't say this is the end to all your problems or that there always be laughter, what Christianity says is that 'no matter what happens, you don't have to face it alone.' Its easier to offer prayers of praise and thanksgiving for the goodness of God in our lives but a balanced Christianity knows that the Cross and grave precede the resurrection.

My prayer is that they bless each and everyone reading this, encourage them that no matter how personal the struggle, you are not alone. I have really missed being here, not just writing and reading comments but being part of my blog family.

I am looking forward to 2012. Everything it has to offer, mountains and valleys, sunshine and rain.

Happy New Year.

Remain blessed and highly favoured

ZoeB

Untitled..

2011-08-31T11:04:00.001Z

'You are either drawing close to God or away from Him. You can't be stagnant, there is no middle ground.'

I didn't open Google Chrome with the intention of reading my blog or posting a comment. I have a big exam on Monday and I have been composing my apology in my head for the next post to come sometime after that ..'sorry I disappeared without any explanation.' but apparently that wasn't God's plan for me today.

I have excuses but no real reasons for being away. I became tired of a number of things and realised I was running on empty. I also learnt that I need to live what I'm learning through my writing. Always. I did miss being here but I had another writing project and I just couldn't write anything else.

I hope to be back to regular blogging soon. There are many things written in my journal which I initially didn't want to share but you never know who needs what when and if there's anything I've learnt in the last few months its that most of us believers (myself so included) have become adept make up artists and Photoshoppers. We imagine what Christianity should be like and it's always the 'perfect picture.' The most important image of our faith is a very bloody Christ on a cross..its gruesome and it doesn't end there but that picture exists. A lot of people are struggling in silence unaware that I your sister underneath all my smiles is struggling too.

So I will share..not everything..God is still dealing with me but I pray that you are always drawing closer to God even if its an inch or a fraction of an inch. I've learnt that when I turn towards Him, He has his ways of bringing me close.

Much Love. You are blessed and highly favoured.

ZoeB

N.B If you are on Twitter, please follow me there @ZoeBeliever. I know that has also been a big distraction from here. Microblogging eh?

On 'Christianity'

2011-04-22T00:00:00.001Z

A good man may not be a Christian but a Christian must always strive to be a good man. Of what point is our 'religion' if it does not lead us to be more charitable...to be more like Christ. Dear Lord in this day I ask not for courage to change the world but courage required to change me. Let prudence, charity, justice and love be my watchwords today dear Lord/ Give me the strength not to take the 'bios' pathway but the Zoe. It is not just the abundant life but a higher form of living. Dear Lord be my strength and guide. Help me to see the place of prayer as a divine appointment between I and my Heavenly Father. It's ok to be nervous when you've been a bad child because a good Father chastises the one He loves. But I'll step into that place remembering that I'm meeting the One who sent His one and only son to die for me while I was still a sinner. I'm just imagining how much more You would receive me into your arms now as a child. A naughty child...but a child nonetheless... : )

N.B. Not everyone who goes to church is a Christian. Not everyone who calls themselves a Christian is one either. However Christians do lie, steal and do bad things. Because salvation is instantaneous but maturity is a lifelong process. Jesus Christ lived his life as a model for us and being a Christian is daily depending on His grace to live like that. We should be getting better. I love the way C.S Lewis puts it. "It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird; it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while inside an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad."

On 'Wisdom'

2011-04-21T00:00:00.002Z

'But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?.......God understands its way. And He knows its place.....And to man He said, Behold the fear of the Lord that is wisdom and to depart from evil that is understanding.'

Selected verses from Job 28

What can we do without wisdom? We were not designed to trust in our own intelligence, to trust in our own understanding, to rely on ourselves for anything but to depend on God to show us the way. Hmm...O Lord God teach me to put my trust in you once again. The answers to all questions of life can be found in you. Thank you for today. In you is the wisdom required for me to solve the riddles that life throws my way daily.

N.B There are some days I wish God didn't speak to me...lol!

On 'The Darkness'

2011-04-20T00:00:00.001Z

'There is unquestionably a grave danger of many becoming spiritually paralysed by depression'

Streams in the desert

To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.

Isaiah 61:3

I love David and I love reading the Psalms. He's one of the Bible characters I relate to because I see a lot of myself in his life and his writings. Christianity is not about perfection but that despite imperfections God still loves us. I do know the feelings that come with being depressed. To be afraid to face a world that seems so full of joy while your own heart seems so full of pain. To not rejoice in the 'day the Lord has made' and all you live for is to go back to bed again and pray for sleep to take you away from reality. But there is hope and there is light. For another beauty of Christianity is the simple truth that light banishes darkness. Jesus is that light.

It is a process. When Jesus touched the paralysed man, his healing was immediate but he had to pick up his bed and walk. He had to begin to use his legs to go to places. It does take time and a loving friend sometimes. What is a friend if you cannot entrust them with the responsibility to share your burdens with you? It helps to be busy, looking for ways to be a blessing to others. Depression puts the focus on you, service puts the focus on others. Depression is listening and believing 'satanic whispers.' Set your atmosphere aright (preaching to myself right there). The grace of God is sufficient to see you through the darkest moments of life. Weeping may endure for a night....encourage yourself in his word that joy comes in the morning. He is the Lover that is never too busy, never too tired. His love for us is renewed by the day. Lord let your light always shine in my darkness.

There is a battle to be won, lets receive strength from on high so we can fight the good fight of faith. In Jesus name. Amen.

On....'His silence'

2011-04-11T00:00:00.001Z

But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

Job 23: 9-10

The absence of the 'feeling' of His presence cannot be concluded as His absence. His 'silence' does not diminish His Omniscience or His Omnipotence. I usually equate those quiet moments as having to do with sin. Its true...sin separates us from God. But its not the whole story. Even when I don't know where He is....He knows where I am. When God does speak to Job at the end of the story, it's obvious that He had been there all along, through the death of the children, the death of the business, the death of everything. Problems are not an indication that God has forgotten us..'Many are the afflictions of the righteous....but the Lord delivers.' Sometimes I think He's always speaking but its me who isn't always listening but its comforting to know that He is always there.

Lord teach me to trust you in the silent moments and the grace to obey You when You do speak.

On....His goodness?

2011-04-10T00:00:00.007Z

For the Lord is good and His mercy endures forever; his faithfulness continues to all generations.

Psalms 100:5

Sometimes I can look at my life (I'm sure you do as well, don't worry I won't tell..lol!) and ask God if certain events and circumstances are an indication of His goodness? I hastily conclude from present issues that I can see no evidence of His faithfulness. But then.....my circumstances are not what gives God His characteristics. That is a myopic view. Chimamanda says it well when she talks about the danger of a single story....the danger of a single story is not that it is not true but that it is incomplete. My story about God cannot be based on present events, not even on the story of my life but its about looking at life from a Kingdom perspective. I think there's a reason why God promises that those who wait on Him will soar like the eagles...eagles have a different view from chickens! I'm tired of clucking..it's time to rise. What you see from an altitude you can never see from the ground.

A Kingdom perspective means seeing it through God's eyes (I rarely get this...its not so much about understanding as it is about trust). I don't like to be prejudged by people but I do it to God all the time. When we hear bad why do we always attribute it to God?..either His nonchalance or impotence...If we truly know God we'll know that He is very interested and He is also very powerful. Knowledge comes with intimacy. If I know Him...I should trust Him.

I wish I had all the answers but I don't. But I know God is good. I see the fire...He sees a purification process.

Forgive me.....

2011-04-09T00:00:00.004Z

that I still love them. That I'm asking God to teach me about condemning sin and not the sinner. Because sometimes I don't know where one ends and the other starts or when one starts and the other ends. Forgive me for praying for restoration of the wronged for it takes strength and courage to speak against what is wrong, despite what others may think of you. Forgive me for praying for restoration of the guilty and for thinking that they may need God even more. Forgive me for not discussing issues when I don't have the facts. Forgive me for not believing that not everything available on the Internet is true. Forgive me for thinking you should know better. Also for being 'biased' but are we not always biased with respect to those we love? Hmmm? Forgive me for not choosing sides for I wonder which side God is on? For I believe that the same God who is working on healing in one is also working on healing in the other. Forgive me for thinking He has the ability to do so.

Forgive me for believing that when people fall, they fall into the arms of a loving Father who will punish their wrongdoing and yet still have the capacity to have mercy on them. Forgive me because I don't understand how He does this...I'm still working on my own salvation, with fear and trembling, now more than ever. Forgive me for not having the capacity to fully empathise with a situation, true if it had been me..I would shoot first and maybe ask for forgiveness later...Forgive me for accepting the apology of people who looked into my eyes, admitting their error as they told me they had made a mistake. Forgive me for thinking you were not entitled to your opinion about issues and matters for you are. God doesn't love us less or more wherever we stand.

Forgive me for being confused about what to say or do because my Christianity 101 manual didn't prepare me for some things. I am a believer working towards maturity, and some days are harder than others. Sin remains sin, regardless of who commits it. Grace remains grace, regardless of who requires it. In all, God remains God, despite of what people want Him to be. Forgive me for having more questions than answers. Forgive me for not making sense but then who says we should make sense of everything?

Forgive me for believing that despite everything that happened God has the power to work good through it all.

Please forgive me...

On patience...

2011-04-08T00:00:00.001Z

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Psalms 27:14

It takes courage and bravery to be patient..'be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord'....you will need to be strong. I will need to be strong to face each day and keep going on despite the fact that I have not seen any physical evidence of my good change. To keep sending stuff out despite getting a slip that says 'Thanks but no'. To keep keeping at it requires bravery and courage. To believe God and live life at the same time. To obey God when He tells you to make things happen for others with your skills and abilities. Because I believe that God will make life happen for me.

Daddy give me courage to be strong, to take heart and wait for you. Like David, let my wilderness season bring out psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Help me to wait with the right attitude, not in despair but in abundant joy serving others.

On difficulties...

2011-04-07T00:00:00.002Z

'It is the storm itself that the eagle uses to soar upward into the dark sky, turning the storm clouds into a chariot'

Streams in the desert

What a suitable word for me today. It's easy to be 'academic' about God working all things together for my good. Truth is that 'all' includes extremely difficult things as well. It includes disappointment and heartbreak. Just like the individual ingredients of a cake can be horrible if consumed alone, insert eggs, butter, flour, sugar, cocoa mix...yet working together and going through the heat of the oven they can give the most scrumptious, yummy chocolate cake! In the same way, I believe God can mix the individual ingredients of our lives, insert rejection, storms, disappointment...allow us to go through the fire and come out looking different and better. Today I am disappointed at my 'rejection' folder (insert job and grant application) but I trust God and choose not to give up.

Daddy help me remember you in difficult times, that they never last but are character building. That they don't necessarily come from you but you can still use them. Please give me strength.

On being..

2011-04-06T00:00:00.002Z

'She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said'

Luke 10:39

I always want to do something. I don't know how to be. I'm more a Martha than a Mary...its more important to get table settings right than enjoy the meal..lol! Mary got it right, sitting at the Master's feet. Not because she wasn't going to go and do something later but right at that moment she just needed to sit down and relax, just 'be' with Jesus. Life is about moments, some seemingly insignificant but yet so pivotal. In a whisper, in half a breath they're gone...I'm learning to recognise them. When you love someone, spending time with them is a given. Just being...being a family, being friends, being people. Nothing wrong with doing but being precedes the doing.

Dear Lord, I need to learn to sit at your feet but I need You to help me. While I would rather foxtrot and quick step through life remind me that there should be room for the waltz and somedays its enough to just hold hands. Thank you Lord.

On...'Forgetting yesterday'

2011-04-05T00:00:00.001Z

Forgetting yesterday and reaching for tomorrow was the message I got from my devotional this morning. Receiving strength for a new day, strength for a New Year. A New Year is lived one day at a time, one decision at a time. I spent yesterday angry, depressed....almost allowing resentment to take root. I woke up this morning remembering that 'Today' was a day the Lord had made for me to rejoice and be glad in. The decision is mine. God has already made the day....it is up to me to rejoice and be glad in it because I'm not God's puppet. Right now I'm smiling....my day is starting right. I don't know what's ahead but I'm going into it with God. He is my King and my lord. I bless and magnify His name. 2011 will definitely be my year of greater achievement in Jesus name.

On....

2011-04-04T08:03:00.000Z

It's been a while. Never take for granted anything you do...even writing a blog. Its the little things that make life beautiful. Life has been, well for want of a better word 'interesting'. I thank God that He has been even more 'interesting'. There's this stage where one moves from knowing about God to knowing God. Separating fact from fiction. Separating people's opinions of God from what you know yourself to be true. There's this stage where one is in the wilderness, there are no cell phone signals, no microwaves and worst of all no MAC (lol!). Separating what/who you think you need from what you really need. Learning the basics...of survival. Confronting the difference between what people see and the person you know you are. Realising that if not for the grace of God....

It is so personal....this walk with God. No one knows me like He does. It is so public....this walk with God. For the world is always watching to see if I truly believe what I say I believe. All I'll say is that I'm glad that despite everything, there's someone who will ALWAYS be there. Someone greater, someone bigger, someone more forgiving. Someone who loves me.

So the 'On' series, sharing bits and pieces from my journal. I don't know what the frequency will be, hopefully it'll be more than one. I'm asking questions, sharing musings, praying...hopefully sharing testimonies. One of the things I love the most about the Bible is that it doesn't read 'PERFECT'. I think a lot of us struggle with living to this ideal that Christianity = Perfection. David....shepherd boy, combination of melancholic and choleric personalities, psalmist, warrior, king. In the course of his life, he showed poor decision making, insert Bathsheba, insert poor parenting skills. How do we know? Because the Bible recorded it. 'But these things were written for our examples..'

Its about growing. Its about learning.

Remain blessed and highly favoured.

Winning Women Wednesdays: 'Call me Mara'

2011-03-02T00:00:00.074Z

Naomi: Pleasant, beautiful
Mara: Bitter (definitely not pleasant)

The man’s name was Elimelech, and his wife was Naomi. Their two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in the land of Judah. And when they reached Moab, they settled there. Then Elimelech died and Naomi was left with her two sons. The two sons married Moabite women. One married a woman named Orpah, and the other a woman named Ruth. But about ten years later, both Mahlon and Kilion died. This left Naomi alone, without her two sons or her husband.

Ruth 1:2-5 (NLT)

Three short verses. Three big changes. I'm always bemused by the story tellers, how they cram our lives into short sentences, short paragraphs, squeezing a life time into a few pages. I doubt if all the journals in the world would be enough for me to pen the pain that came with losing my husband and having to raise two sons on my own. Not only on my own but in a strange land without family support. Who was to teach the sons to be men? To be husbands? To be fathers? But it was ok, life dealt me a terrible hand but I had my boys. Or so I thought. The day we buried Chilion, I didn't cry. All my tears had been spent at Mahlon's funeral. Could it be true that my world had drastically changed in such a short period of time? Were my sons really gone to the land of no return?

“Don’t call me Naomi,” she responded. “Instead, call me Mara,for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?”

Ruth 1:20-21

Please don't judge me. I had to call it as I saw it. For my life had neither been beautiful or pleasant and at that point in my life all I could see was bitterness. We left for Moab full of dreams, dreams of prosperity, dreams of provision, dreams of seeing our grandchildren and bringing them up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. And I returned with nothing. But no, not nothing for although at the time I couldn't see it. I came back with Ruth, my daughter and my friend. In her I saw the sermons I had taught about Yahweh, about His provision and His love. I saw her live the messages I had preached about His ability to take you through the changing scenes and seasons of life because He himself was unchanging.

To you dear woman reading this excerpt, you may have chosen to allow yourself be defined by the curveballs that life has thrown your way. Maybe you haven't verbalised it, maybe you've never told anyone that deep down you call yourself 'Shame' or 'Failure'. And yes, you may have cause to call yourself 'Mara' and turn your back on Him, the One who loves you most. But from someone who has been there and done that I want to encourage. I can because I know. I know what it is to be disillusioned, to be depressed, to ask God why he let you see a new day, to see the house of cards all come tumbling down.

Listen to me. Hard times are not a sign that God has forgotten about you. He never forgets about you. It takes time to heal from any type of hurt. You're not just going to jump out of bed and be all better. However I need you to focus on the goodness of God to you. Make Him your best friend. Tell Him where and how it hurts. Don't allow life make you bitter. Take it from a widow, He reaches deep down where no husband could. Open your eyes, there's a 'Ruth' somewhere who reminds you of who you used to be. Life isn't about not facing storms. Its about going through them and coming out on the other side. You may never understand why what happened did but don't lose your faith. You need to do something, you can't stay where you are. I had to go back home..to Bethlehem, where the real bread was. Only you knows where your Bethlehem is.

I'm glad no one ever called me Mara, its good to surround yourself with good people. All over the world, people still talking about me. Calling me a model 'mother-in-law' and all. Thing is I never set out to be this great woman of faith and I'm happy my lowest points were recorded for all to see. Its was never about me, always about Him. If He can use me, He can use you too.

We'll always have 'Mara' situations and circumstances but always remember you are 'Naomi' despite it all.

Keep winning with God.

Your's truly

Naomi

Thinking about.. .

2011-03-01T05:24:00.000Z

Love, life and other little but big mysteries. Love, a word that falls so easily from our lips and yet the reality of what it means can be mind boggling! Love is everything. It is why I am awake at 5:13 in the morning and why I have to work this body to a sweat in a few hours as well. Love is why I will keep quiet about an issue and yet confront on another one. Love means that even though I don't understand the circumstances I choose to believe what love has shown me of you .

Love is both the butterflies when you hear that voice and the tears that fall from your eyes when the voice betrays and you must stick to the commitment that you have made. Love is not always a perfect looking picture, I don't know how one would Photoshop Jesus suffering on the cross in a way that would make it look like he was having a nice day!

Love is the heartbeat of life. We were created through it, we were created for it. To love within, vertically and horizontally. Different beats, the same heart. The commitment of it which can also mean letting it go. For until the prodigal realises that the love he is searching for has been at home all along no words can convince him to stay. Love does not prevent the fire from burning but gives grace for an open door, to bandage hands at the inevitable return, for salve and bandages.

Love is doing the right thing you know to do. Love is life. Love, life and other little but big mysteries.

Still pondering on it.

iMeditate Mondays: A second chance

2011-02-14T00:00:00.003Z

Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. "Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

John 8:10-11

'Thank you for giving me a second chance, I wasn't sure you would but I'm glad you did'

Excerpt from an email to ZoeB

I came across a programme on BET a few days ago. There was a beautiful young woman, I can't even remember her name but she was sharing what I considered a testimony. She grew up in church, moved to a different state to further her career and then got pregnant. She was given a choice between her career or her baby and she chose to have her baby. She came back home to a small town to face the disappointment of her parents and the judgement of almost everyone else.

There is wrong and right and there's nothing wrong with calling someone out on wrong behaviour. But I ask myself what is the point of kicking someone who is already down? My friend from school had a baby out of wedlock and she told me that some of her 'church' friends stopped speaking to her. How does that help? Where is our compassion? Love is both conviction and compassion...not condemnation. We all have done things we're not willing to share with the world. God knows we did it too and yet we are all products of a second chance. He says 'freely we have received, freely we should also give'. We should be the ones teaching the world about love and not the other way around!

Back to the story, she said she cried every single day she was pregnant. Until her son was born. She said she talked to God and asked for His help. He gave her a second chance, she gave herself a second chance. Today she's walking in her destiny, beautiful and happy. Listening to her touched me deeply. One day we will all need a second chance, an opportunity to right a mistake we have made. To make things right, to get back on track. Will we receive it? Are we giving it?

I'm not advocating remaining in an environment that is detrimental to your sense of security. That's why is an iMeditate to take some time to think it through. I'm asking God to make my heart large enough to be a second chance giver. To see as He sees...beyond labels.

Meditations from ZoeB 4.2.11 on the couch..

iPray Fridays: Because you prayed

2011-02-11T00:00:00.003Z

Because you prayed

God touched our weary bodies with His power

And gave us strength for many a trying hour

In which we might have faltered, had not you,

our intercessors faithful been, and true

Charles B. Bowser

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

James 5:16

Amazing things can happen in the lives because we prayed. Today's iPray is about praying for the needs of others. For standing in the gap and asking God to intervene in someone else's life. Pray for your family members, pray for your church, pray for your nation. Pray for Australia, pray for Egypt.

But I don't know how to pray for someone else? They don't look like they need prayer? Its funny that those who seemingly have everything going on ok are usually the ones who need prayer most. If you don't know what to say, ask God to meet them at their point of need. To remind them of His nearness. To open doors for them and ask the abundant favour of His life upon them. If they are married, pray over their marriages.

Job prayed for his friends and his circumstances turned around. Answers to our own prayers may be linked to us taking the time to commit someone else into the hands of their Heavenly Father. You can always pray for me that God gives me the strength to keep going : ).

Let's pray together. Click Comments!

iWorship Wednesdays: Bro Franklin

2011-02-09T00:00:00.005Z

My sister shared this video with me sometime last week. I think I must have watched it over 50 times since then because I have watched it at least 5 times every day since then. Oh yes, at first I laughed because I think his dance steps are a bit funny. It wasn't condescending, for me he is a modern day David who is not going to allow people's opinions stop him from worshipping His God who is everything to Him.

Below is his testimony. Its part one of two and is also about ten minutes but if you have time please take time to watch it.

Before becoming a Christian he danced well in the world. So now he has to dance to the King. We have our definitions of what 'appropriate' worship is. Sometimes we think some behaviour is distracting...and maybe it is. Bro Franklin has encouraged me to worship without abandon...whether in my seat or right in front of the altar. The only appropriate worship is that which is done in spirit and in truth. Sometimes that's the only gap between us and our breakthrough. There's no song today. Worship Him the way you know best.

iPray Fridays: I never expected

2011-02-04T00:00:00.002Z

"I never expected to see your face and God has allowed me to see your children"

Genesis 48:11

'For surely there is an end, and thine expectation shall not be cut off'

Proverbs 23:18

/ek-spek-tey-shuhn/ : a thing looked forward to, a prospect of future good or profit

Jacob was shown his son's robe with blood on it. He was told his son must be dead. It was true that it was his son's robe, the blood on it was as real as blood goes. No CSI in those days to test if the blood was human or not...but yet despite his 'good' evidence, his son was not dead. He never expected to see his son's face again...and yet God allowed him not only to see his son but his son's sons.

Surely, there is an end and our expectation shall not be cut off in Jesus name. We all have expectations. We expect a salary from the boss at the end of the month, we expect service from the utility company when our bills are paid, most single people expect to get married, couples trying for a baby expect to get pregnant, pregnant couples expect to have a baby within a period of time. Its something that hasn't happened yet but we look forward to it happening.

Jacob expected to see Joseph grow from a boy to a man and yet all he got was a blood stained robe, evidence to him that his expectation had been cut off and short. What is the evidence that you have before you today? The evidence that tells you that your expectation will be or has been cut short? Bring it before the altar in prayer today. Let those dreams live again, God always has a purpose and a plan. Joseph may be 'lost' in a strange man's land for 13 long years but your expectation shall not be cut short in Jesus name. Don't give up, stay praying! This just encouraged me.

Let's pray together! Click Comments!

ZoeB

iWorship Wednesdays: How deeply I need you...

2011-02-02T00:00:00.002Z

need: a requirement, an obligation, a necessary duty

'Like the desert needs the rain,

Like the ocean needs the stream,

Like the morning needs the sun,'

This is a prayer to need Him. If His presence living in me is the breath I breathe then He is a requirement, an obligation and a necessary duty. Not like a chore but an essential part of survival. Lord, I need You to make sense of the senseless, to have hope in hopelessness, for light in darkness. I need You. I can't make it without You.

iMeditate Mondays: A Father's Love

2011-01-31T00:00:00.002Z

Our father

We love to call you
By your grace you have adopted
Now we're your children
You now receive us
Joint heirs with Jesus
Our father, our father

Your awesome love

You've shown to us

Goes beyond our wildest dreams

You saturate our lives with grace and mercy

and because you love

You chasten us

If we should go astray

like a Father

our Father

(Fred Hammond; Our Father)

A Father's love we rarely hear or think about. We understand so much about a mother's love....it is unconditional, deep, the bonding experience that starts in her womb and doesn't cease. Society hasn't helped either, such a negative picture of what true fatherhood is all about.

Our Father, Daddy, Abba, Baba, Nna...

the one we should run to and not away from when we have problems

the one who protects us from danger

the one who provides for us

the one who gives us a sense of identity

the one who deals with issues

the one who disciplines us when we go wrong

How many of us have that deep relationship with our fathers? How many of us would use the word intimate? Does he know our secrets? Can we trust him with our secrets? Can we tell him anything and everything?

We should not blame our earthly fathers for they are men who even at their very best are unable to give love perfectly. For they are human and thus imperfect, one can only do their best. At their very best cannot equal the very least of God's love for us. I want to deepen my relationship with my fathers...my earthly one and my Heavenly one. Telling them where it hurts, spending time with them, drawing closer and being a daddy's girl. Aint nothing wrong with that. Because Daddy loves his girls...so very much.

Meditations from ZoeB @ GH 30.1.11

iPray Fridays: 'Ephraim'

2011-01-28T00:00:00.007Z

The second son he named Ephraim and said, “It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.”

Genesis 41:52

Now there was a famine in the land—besides the previous famine in Abraham’s time—and Isaac went to Abimelek king of the Philistines in Gerar. The LORD appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you.....Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the LORD blessed him.

Selected verses from Genesis 26

Fruitfulness- the ability to bear fruit. A picture that comes to mind is a primary school science project where we are given some butter bean seeds and a pot with some good loamy soil in it. Seeds in soil, water it, place it by the sunlight are the instructions given. These are the instructions given so that the seed may germinate and produce even more seed.

This is the way of nature, to produce fruit when the conditions are conducive. I'm beginning to learn the difference between the 'bios' (life) and the 'Zoe' (life in high definition/ 3D!...lol!). We can be fruitful even when all external factors say No. When the 'soil' are hard rocks, when there is no water, when there is no sunshine. When the hand of God is upon you, He will make us successful wherever we go.

This morning I wrote in my journal;

'No more excuses for a lack of achievement. Joseph was a slave and prisoner in a strange land and yet he was fruitful in the place of his affliction. The Lord's hand was upon him to make him successful and he went about his duties with an excellent spirit. This led to his promotion. Its time to wake up!!!! and do the same!'

Be encouraged brothers and sisters if at this moment it seems like you are between a rock and a hard place. Where it seems as if there is no help, no connection. Isaac went where God directed him and God made him fruitful despite a famine. The news all over the world is bleak but yet I will be fruitful. Today's iPray Friday is talking to God about those areas of our lives where we want to bear fruit. Where we want Him to show Himself strong and mighty on our behalf. For strength to keep doing our part, putting the work in, serving others, being relevant. Its time to live life in high definition!

Let's pray together. Click comments!

iWorship Wednesdays; Refiner's Fire

2011-01-26T00:00:00.022Z

Hmm..

refine /ri-fahyn/

To bring to a fine or pure state; free from impurities
To make more fine, subtle or precise

Refine...hmm because its bitter sweet. I like the refined Product but I don't want the Process. This song reminds me that I need to go through the process. His fire purifies me, it burns what isn't like Him and makes better what is. Dear lord, strengthen me to go through the process in Jesus name.

Good medicine!

2011-01-25T00:00:00.003Z

Found this on Youtube and it made me smile. Hope it makes you smile too. West Africans living in the UK would get this better..sorry! lol! Its really short, come on watch it!

iMeditate Mondays: His embrace!

2011-01-24T00:00:00.001Z

embrace /em-breys/ to encircle; surround; enclose

Have you ever been caught in God's embrace? Been held by God and felt a love so indescribable? Lost without any knowledge of space or time? In an embrace, hearts touch. He encircles me, surrounds me and encloses me in His presence. Hmm...we serve a God who likes to get personal. I'm craving intimacy with Him.

Have you been held by someone you love in an embrace? An embrace that says 'I'm here, you're safe, I care, I will be here as long as you need me, I love you.' As beautiful as that it, it is but a shadow of what God has in store for us...what I call the 'real deal.' I believe human relationships serve as a guide to teach us about relating with God. God's arms are open to show you the real deal, where are you?

Meditations on Sunday 23.1.11 during worship

iPray Fridays: Lord teach us to pray

2011-01-21T00:00:00.002Z

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say:

Luke 11:1-2

'Lord, teach us to pray' the disciples made this request of Jesus after he had finished praying. Why did they ask Him this? Why not just ask for the ability to do miracles, to heal the sick and raise the dead. I guess they keyed in to the rev that praying in private was responsible for power in public. (Now that's deep, thank you Holy Spirit). Well, its not only about having power, its about deepening our relationship with God.

We are always told that the foundation of all good relationships is communication. Prayer is simply that and yet sometimes I don't know what to do or what to say. I am overwhelmed and sometimes I don't even have a desire to pray. So today I'm praying for Jesus to teach me to pray. This post was inspired by a few lines I read in Andrew Murray's 'With Christ in the school of prayer'. Dear Lord, please teach me how to pray and how to pray effectively.

I was just thinking....the saints of old they didn't have personal Bibles or prayer manuals and yet they prayed some 'mean' prayers! Not saying these are not important because they are but I think our prayers should be more powerful and effective in this season. Teach us to pray O lord.

So today's iPray is asking Jesus to teach us to pray, taking time to reflect and meditate on His teaching about prayer in the word and actually praying. Prayer is like running, it doesn't matter how much you know about it if you're not doing it!

Let's pray together....click comments!

N.B Feel free to pray about anything you like. I love reading your prayers, pray some of them too!

The love of God

2011-01-20T00:00:00.010Z

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

Romans 8:35

Sometimes I make the mistake of thinking that loving God and God loving me is the same thing. I compare the love God has for us to the way a husband loves his wife, a mother her baby, football fans their club, a dedicated worker his job. However, Paul gives us an inclination of how much God loves us;

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord

Romans 8:38-39

God is not a 'grandfather' in the skies who either nods impotently when we do wrong or send fire and brimstone to judge us. He loves us according to His nature which our human hearts may have an inkling of but never hope to fully understand. His desire is not that we understand but that we accept His love. We can never hope to love anyone as He loves us. God does not love me the way my best friend does multiplied a million times. God is God. He does reveal Himself to us directly and through His Word and that is why it is a journey, a journey of love.

Happy birthday T.O.M. You've taught me about love from a totally different perspective. I pray for God's goodness to always be manifest in your life. Today and every day.

iWorship Wednesdays: Holy Spirit rain down

2011-01-19T00:00:00.001Z

Yes Holy Spirit, let the rain of your presence fall on me anew. Let your anointing fall upon my life and add the super to my natural. Touch me on the inside. Ignite your fire in my life and renew my passion for life and ministry in Jesus name.

iGot tagged: Stylish and Versatile

2011-01-18T19:24:00.001Z

Thanks so much to Jhazmyn and Roseofsharon for nominating me for this award. I feel a bit of a fraud accepting is as I seem to have become a part time blogger these days but still it is very much appreciated. The rules of this award are as follows;

1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them in your post.

2. Tell us 7 things about yourself.

3. Award 15 other bloggers.

4. Contact these bloggers and let them know that they have won.

7 things about ZoeBeliever

1. I drink one or two cups of coffee per annum. Maybe three but definitely not more than five. I don't hate it particularly just don't want to be one of those people who can't start the day without caffeine coursing through their blood.

2. I keep myself to myself. I'm learning that vulnerability is a strength and not weakness. I love other people but now I'm learning how to allow them love me too. To be open and trusting.

3. I would marry either Ben or Jerry for a lifetime supply of Cookie dough ice cream..lol

4. I'm transitioning from relaxed to natural hair. I've learnt a number of lessons in the process. (a) That I tend to give up to easily, this is my second attempt at this. (b)That having a mentor is important (thanks FG! she always keeps me from doing something drastic) (c) that transition is never easy, you're not where you want to be but neither are you where you used to be but in everything give thanks (d) for my patient sister, I can be very trying when it comes to my hair! (e) there is more to life than hair!....can I hear someone say Amen!

5. My faith is the most important part of my life. There is no perfect Christian, our righteousness are like filthy rags before Him but He clothes us with His righteousness. God is such an amazing God. I've messed up so many times but somehow I always find His door open and His arms open. I don't know everything but I know He is my everything.

6. I immensely dislike a display of discourtesy. Say please and thank you. Teach your children to say please and thank you.

7. My taste in music is so eclectic. I love all types of music. One of my favourite things is lying down listening to Andrea Bocelli or Il Divo in the background. I love jazz, the saxophone has got to be one of the most beautiful musical instruments created.

So that's it. I'm sorry I'm not tagging anyone because everyone I know has done this. So if you feel like doing this on your blog go ahead.

Remain blessed and highly favoured

ZoeB

iWorship Wednesdays: Never would have made it

2011-01-12T00:00:00.001Z

This song was ministered in church on Sunday. I could only say Amen. For I agreed with David's word that 'if it had not been for the Lord on my side....' I can put so much stuff in the gaps. I thank God for His unfailing mercy, unfailing grace, unfailing strength. I never would have made it without Him. I know I'm going to keep on 'making it' with Him.

iWorship Wednesday: And that my soul knows very well..

2011-01-05T00:00:00.001Z

God bless Hillsong for the worship songs they have blessed the Body of Christ. In 2011, I want to draw closer and know Him that I love well. Not what people think about Him, not even what others have said about Him. But to know Him...To know Him.

Remain blessed and highly favoured.

ZoeB.

2011: Our year of greater achievements

2011-01-04T11:40:00.000Z

a.chieve.ment [uh-cheev-muhnt]: Something accomplished esp. by superior ability, special effort, great courage...a great heroic deed (Dictionary.com)

In KICC, this is the prophecy for this year that 2011 is our year of greater achievement. Personally I call this my dear of double (2+0; 1+1)..double honour, double breakthrough, double responsibility, double achievement, double strength, double abilities. 'Everything na double double'. Declaring what a year will be before it ends requires faith, strength, determination and hard work.

We call 'those things that be not as though they are' like our God who 'declares the end of a thing from the beginning'...Stephen Covey says it well when he says 'beginning with the end in mind'. This is a season where we are inundated with adverts about resolutions...losing weight, giving up smoking, holidays..they all key into you looking at where/who/what you want to be sometime later this year. We all must achieve something this year but it's not just going to happen, we have to actively participate in life. Like John Legend sang 'wake up everybody, no more sleeping in bed'.

At the Watchnight service, Pastor Matthew shared some steps to ensure 2011 would be our best year yet. Definitely worth meditating on.

Decide to search aggressively for the voice of the Holy Spirit.
Decide to build a process and reputation in problem solving
Decide to enter every atmosphere as a learner
Decide to examine every relationship in your life to discern who is making divine deposits
Decide to fix specific goals that unlock your dream and energy...I add...decide to write them down
Decide to sow favour lavishly
Decide to fully embrace moments to express giant steps (life will bring you those opportunities...don't be afraid Go with God)

A very Happy New Year to you all. I pray that indeed it will be a new beginning for those like me who need one. That it will be a year of furthering your destiny in the right direction. That we walk the path God intended, we be not afraid, we go with God. This is going to be our best year yet.

Keep believing,

ZoeB

iPray Fridays: Endurance, Strength to finish the race..

2010-12-03T00:00:00.002Z

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

...........Jesus said 'It is finished'........................

John 19:30

One of my favourite similes about life is that 'life is like a race, it is a marathon and not a sprint'. You don't need to be an experienced runner to know that there is a difference between a marathon and a sprint, both types of races require different ingredients to achieve success because where a sprint calls for speed...a marathon calls for endurance. A marathon demands that you 'don't give up' in other words 'endure till the end'. I'm not a runner but when I see the look of satisfaction and achievement in the eyes of those who have completed a marathon it makes me want to don my running shoes and get some of that feeling myself.

According to the dictionary, endurance is the strength to continue...the key words being 'in spite of'. I'm learning that the storms of life are inevitable. I say it all the time but when the storm comes I act surprised..lol! As we run this marathon, there will be obstacles in our path, we will get tired, we will want to give up. I am currently writing my dissertation and honestly there was a time I gave up on it and on myself. It was just difficult, I couldn't make sense of anything anymore and it was like the Lord used that to show up an attitude where I am good at starting things but not enduring to the end to finish. Hmm! He said 'The winner of a marathon is not the one who finished first but the one who finished, endure till the end. The Lord is your strength.' Selah.

So what do you want to give up on today? Not because it's the wrong thing but because you're tired and frustrated, nothing seems to give, others seem to be hitting that finish line and you're wondering what's wrong with you. Let's pray for endurance. In an earlier chapter in 2 Timothy, Paul told Timothy to 'endure hardness like a soldier'...the soldier comes home when the war is over. He endures till the end. The farmer endures till harvest time. Lord, you are our strength and our salvation. Give us the grace to endure till the end. Our Father is the Author, He is also the Finisher we have no choice but to do the same.

iWorship Wednesdays: Mighty God

2010-12-01T00:00:00.002Z

This song gives me chills. He is indeed a mighty God. Look around you. If God could take His time with the lilies which today are and tomorrow are no more, how much more shall He take His time with me. I am the epitome of His creation. He is my God. Dear Lord, please readjust my vision like that of Elisha's servant that I may see that there are hosts of angels around me. Thank you Joe Praize.

Sorry about the video people, its just a collection of pictures but I'm sure you'll be blessed.

iPray Fridays: That your faith may not fail

2010-11-26T00:00:00.001Z

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

Luke 22: 31 -32

The beautiful thing about God's word is the way a verse or passage you have read so many times can literally just jump off the page at you as if seeing it for the very first time. I had that experience this morning with the Scripture above. Later on in this same chapter, Peter is tested and he does fail...yet Jesus said he would pray for him that his faith may not fail. This means there is a difference between making a mistake (failing) and your faith failing.

I don't know how it is that we become conditioned to believe that hard times and the challenges of life have to do with God punishing us. I must admit that in recent times I have been pondering on my understanding of who God is and how He relates with His children. Sometimes the God I see in the Bible is different from the God I have been taught about. Satan is the enemy, he wants to sift us as wheat..I just realised something as I write...wheat must be sifted to separate the chaff from the grain...it is uncomfortable but then how do we know that we know what we think we know if we aren't tested (I hope that makes sense)?

Sometimes we find the sifting process too hard or too difficult or too long and somewhere our faith fails...we don't believe what we used to believe, we don't trust who we used to trust. However today like Jesus I pray that our faith does not fail, that we hold on through the sifting process. That even though like Peter we fail...the seed of faith on the inside of us remains viable and like a mustard seed no matter how tiny it is under the right conditions it will germinate and become a mighty tree. Most importantly, when we turn back to the right path we must share our story and encourage our brethren back to the Ancient paths.

Selah.

Let's pray together. Click comments.

iWorship Wednesdays: Mighty to save

2010-11-24T06:31:00.000Z

We fear what we do not understand. Life is full of things we may never understand and questions we may never be able to give answers to. I'm beginning to learn that all that I can do is learn how to put my trust in the One who understands all things and has answers to all questions. He is indeed mighty to save. I pray to get to the place that I can say 'Even if he doesn't deliver, I will put my trust in Him.' God bless HillSong for their awesome worship ministry and for this song.

Everyone needs compassion,

Love that's never failing;

Let mercy fall on me.

Everyone needs forgiveness,

The kindness of a Saviour;

The Hope of nations.

Saviour, He can move the mountains,

My God is Mighty to save,

He is Mighty to save.

Forever, Author of salvation,

He rose and conquered the grave,

Jesus conquered the grave.

So take me as You find me,

All my fears and failures,

Fill my life again.

I give my life to follow

Everything I believe in,

Now I surrender.

My Saviour, He can move the mountains,

My God is Mighty to save,

He is Mighty to save.

Forever, Author of salvation,

He rose and conquered the grave,

Jesus conquered the grave.

Shine your light and let the whole world see,

We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus (x2)

My Saviour, you can move the mountains,

You are mighty to save,

You are mighty to save.

Forever, Author of Salvation,

You rose and conquered the grave,

Yes you conquered the grave

iPray Fridays: Works of my hands

2010-11-19T00:00:00.002Z

May the favour of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 90:17

I'm so excited about an iPray Friday today...it feels like its been a very, very long time. I was going to pray about jobs because this is an area where I and a few friends need a testimony but I decided to look at it in a different way...looking at the bigger picture. The works of my hands. There aren't specific prayer points about jobs in the Bible but we know that God delights in us making profit. I still believe that children of God were created for more than just a job. We must all work and we all have been blessed by God with unique talents, skills and abilities that we may make profit from and use to the glory of God. I just don't want any job to keep body and soul together..I want to be a blessing in any organisation I find myself in and also be blessed by them. In this season I'm also praying for God to open my eyes to those abilities that I possess that I can use for His glory and that I can also turn into cash.

We take too many things for granted, our writing skills, our culinary skills, our organisational and communication skills. Dear Lord, open our eyes that we may see, may your favour rest upon us, establish the works of our hands..

So today, pray in your own words about the works of your hands, what do you want God to do for you and through you while you are here? Click comments and join us in prayer!

Let's pray together..

iWorship Wednesdays: Every season

2010-11-17T00:00:00.002Z

I haven't listened to this song in years and when it came up via Shuffle I kept in on repeat...I just realised that even when I don't understand its wonderful to be loved by One who remains there through changing scenes and seasons. Its hard sometimes to see God as good through the horrible things that happen in life but which season is best...summer for its heat or spring for its newness? All seasons are necessary aren't they and does He cease to be God in winter's chill or autumn's nakedness?...Selah! Thanks Nicole Nordeman..

Every evening sky, an invitation

To trace the patterned stars

And early in July, a celebration
For freedom that is ours
And I notice You
In children’s games
In those who watch them from the shade
Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder
You are summer

And even when the trees have just surrendered

To the harvest time

Forfeiting their leaves in late September
And sending us inside
Still I notice You when change begins
And I am braced for colder winds
I will offer thanks for what has been and was to come
You are autumn

And everything in time and under heaven

Finally falls asleep

Wrapped in blankets white, all creation
Shivers underneath
And still I notice you
When branches crack
And in my breath on frosted glass
Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter
You are winter

And everything that’s new has bravely surfaced

Teaching us to breathe

What was frozen through is newly purposed
Turning all things green
So it is with You
And how You make me new
With every season’s change
And so it will be
As You are re-creating me
Summer, autumn, winter, spring

Je ne comprends pas...

2010-11-15T10:13:00.000Z

Hi everyone

I miss writing, I miss blogging. I've been working on my dissertation and writing simply became a chore and I just needed a break. I'm still kind of on a semi-break but I hope I am gradually coming out of my comatose state because I have really missed it. I was talking to a friend at the weekend and he gave a description of me that made me laugh. Its funny how people can see strength where we only see weakness and imperfection.

A week ago, a friend shared about how her friend had passed away in childbirth. She asked a question 'Does God not answer prayers?' Hmm, it was an honest question and it got me thinking about so many other questions I had that I like to gloss over with my 'religious varnish', there is a way that I think that to ask a question is to doubt....that to say "Je ne comprends pas....I do not understand" means I am one of little faith.

I do not understand why we prayed and she died. I do not understand why Elisha died of an illness and yet his bones raised a dead man. I do not understand the ways of God. I do not understand what part I play in the scheme of things, I always see my life as a piece of a big puzzle where only God sees the big picture. I don't think I need to understand, just trust. Sometimes my faith is so weak, I wish I was perfect but I am not. I wish I always had answers but I don't.

One thing I have learnt in the past few months...God doesn't give up on us, usually we give up on Him. My prayer is that even when I do not understand...I reach out my hand to Him even in the dark and cry..'Lord help me.' I just needed to write that today, seems so random. Oh well! Have a blessed day people.

iPray Fridays: iTestify

2010-10-22T00:00:00.036Z

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say this— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south. Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty,and their lives ebbed away. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Some sat in darkness and the deepest gloom, prisoners suffering in iron chains, for they had rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High. So he subjected them to bitter labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.....

Psalms 107: 1-15

....They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

Revelations 12:11

Hello people,

Thank God its another iPray Friday and we are here to see it. Chineke Imela. Ose Baba, Nagode Yesu. Today's iPray is about testifying to the Lords goodness in our lives. Sometimes we think we need a 'big' testimony before we share it. Just like any relationship, learning to appreciate what we think are the 'little' things make room for even bigger things to happen. We too often take our breath for granted. I testify today that I am alive, I am still in the battle, I have not finished the race but I am still running. Its a marathon and not a sprint..I have stumbled but not out. The setback is for my step up and I am not taking no for an answer.

So today is Testimony Friday..has the Lord been good to you? This week, this month, this year...to the members of your family? You don't need to close a multi million pound deal to testify....testify of His faithfulness to you. Look forward to hearing from you. Click comments!

Let's pray together.

iWorship Wednesdays: Ani'pakabara (Whatever happens)

2010-10-20T00:00:00.000Z

Hi people

Its the middle of the week, how things going? Trust well. I loved this song even when I didn't know what the title meant. The video has subtitles. I hear she is singing in Kalabari...that's a language spoken in the South South region of Nigeria. Languages are so beautiful because we have that many more ways to praise Our Creator, Our King..there's a part of this song I love so much 'Hold me Lord, lest I fall'. Thanks Ibiso, you're such a blessing.

Whatever happens, we can trust we have a God who knows the number of hairs on our head (even in the weave too...lol!).

Remain blessed and highly favoured.

ZoeB

iPray Fridays: SIMplicity

2010-10-15T00:00:00.051Z

And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat? "Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace. "The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply.

Matthew 6: 5-13 (The Message)

"Its not how long u pray, its how strong you pray! You can pray for 5 hours but if there's no faith behind your prayer, there's no power."

@GuvnaB from Twitter

I really miss blogging, both reading and writing. I used to take the fact that I could blog for granted. Now its one of the things I'm grateful about. Lord, thank you that Zoe can blog...lol! I'm in a season where I have a lot of questions, maybe its the scientist in me or just a phase. There is a way in which one is raised not to ask questions, just to accept what one is given as the status quo. That's fine but for those who have questions, I am learning that who you ask is just as important as what you ask!

Reading my Bible this morning and this passage just jumped up at me. Sometimes when people ask me why I love to pray, I respond with 'I'm not so sure I love to pray, I'm learning'. I will be honest and confess that I have periods of time where I feel so distant from God. I don't read or study my Bible and I don't 'pray'. Yes 'pray' because I lay on my bed one morning and I heard a familiar voice whisper 'so if it isn't formal, does it mean it isn't conversation' those were not the exact words but something to that effect. 'Each time you want to speak to your dad or friends, do you wear something special or put some makeup on. In an emergency, do you consider your looks or the fact that you may not have been getting along or do you just reach out to the one who can help you sort your situation out! Do you only speak to them in public when others are around and ignore them in private?'

What is prayer? We say it is communication with God. Communication involves at least 2 parties and consists of speaking, listening and understanding. It is a 2 way thing. We speak to God and He speaks to us too. So many times I get caught up in a legalistic and religious view of things. When I pray sometimes people laugh and I do admit my prayers may be a bit funny but that's because I am funny and I believe God loves me like that. I need to search the Scriptures but I believe that most of the prayers Jesus made were in private and his public prayers were short and direct. Hmm, I believe a big barrier to effective prayer is this notion that it's like a recipe where you need to mix this and that, keep at this temperature for this long before you can get the right result. I want to challenge that and say we should come to God on the basis of relationship. Sometimes I talk for hours to a friend, sometimes a few minutes. I do not love them more when I speak longer or less when I speak shorter. The most important thing is that I communicate with them, pass the message across, honestly and openly. Also come believing that He hears and He has the power to change situations.

Its funny that I try to hide things from God, the One who sees all and knows all. Anyway today's iPray is about simplicity..not length, just honesty and openness between you and your daddy. If Jesus was sitting right next to you on a bench in a park and you had your head on his shoulder what would you tell him....even if you had to whisper it? Say it today. If you want to share it here, feel free to leave it as a comment.

Let's pray together.

iWorship Wednesdays: Psalm 23

2010-10-13T10:58:00.000Z

Hiya

I love this song. So many times I forget that I have a Shepherd and I don't need to be afraid of anything. He may use His rod and staff but I'm glad that I'm not alone in this journey. Be blessed. Thank you Juanita!

Your hands reached into the depths of darkness,

Your arms pulled me to the light above them.

Your voice spoke the words that broke my heart,

and Your eyes burn with holy passion, fire, and love.

You lead me beside the quiet waters,

You are in the shadows of death's darkened doors.

You make tables right before my enemies,

You take oil and then You pour it over me.

You are my shepherd,

I will fear no evil (fear no evil).

You are my shepherd,

I will fear no evil (fear no evil).

Surely goodness and mercy,

shall cover me.

All the days of my life,

they shall cover me.

Surely I am going to dwell

in the house of the Lord

forever and ever,

forever and ever.

iWorship Wednesdays: Any Crown

2010-09-29T07:52:00.000Z

I can't seem to get enough of this song. I'm sure it's not new but I didn't hear it until last week. I've been so cold in recent days, in more ways than one but when I listened to this song I was reminded of who the Lover of my Soul was and there truly is no crown that can compare with Him. For me, this song is a prayer, it is who I want to be. Read the words and hopefully fall deeper in love with your Father who is also your Husband..I used to wonder about that but when you love someone there is a way they become your everything. Be blessed. I'm sorry for my inconsistent posts. Love you all. Thanks for spending time with 'me'. Thanks Hillsong and Juanita Bynum for this.

Remain blessed and highly favoured.

ZoeB

Any crown I've ever won

I laid it down

Any praise I've ever gained

I give it all to you

There is nothing in the world

That can compare

You alone are worthy

You are near to those who call upon your name

You're ever giving, ever loving

You remain the same

For you open up your hands and satisfy

Give you all the glory

You are worthy oh Lord of all honor

You are worthy to receive our praise

In your presence I live

And with all I have to give

I will worship you

You are near to those

Who call upon your name

You're ever giving, ever loving

You remain the same

For you open up your hands and satisfy

Give you all the glory

You are worthy oh Lord of all honor

You are worthy to receive our praise

In your presence I live

And with all I have to give

I will worship you

All my years

Glorify your holy name

iPray Fridays: Divine Intervention

2010-09-17T00:00:00.001Z

Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.

2nd Chronicles 20: 3-4

'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.' "

2nd Chronicles 20: 15b-17

Dear Lord, I thank you for here we are once again, alive and able to lay before you, lift up our voices before you, bring our petitions before you. We acknowledge that there is no one like you. You are both willing and able to do of your good pleasure. You are a great and mighty King. Able to do exceedingly, abundantly, far above all that we can ask and imagine. Thank You Lord for the manifold blessings you have showered on us, both those that we are able to remember at this time and those that we cannot. Thank you Jesus, thank you Lord.

My God and my King. I acknowledge that life without you is truly like I sang as a child, 'like a doughnut...with a hole in the middle of my heart'. Life is tough but with Jesus in the boat I am always assured of making it to the other side. The One who has total command of the winds and the waves. Today O Lord, we bring pressing issues, the ones that require divine intervention before your throne of grace. The Ones that you deal with exclusively...'that all may know the hand of the Lord has done this'. Dear Lord as we pray today, we bring letters that speak against our peace before you, we bring situations that we are not even able to put into words, we acknowledge that You are our help and there is no other.

Like Jehoshaphat we bring our issues before your throne and wait and listen for divine instruction on what we should do, how we should tackle the issues. Fight or hold our peace; speak or keep quiet; run or stand still. The horse is made ready for the day of battle but victory comes from you O Lord. This is our year of victory, our year of a new song. 2010..the year of 'The Lord has done this and it is marvellous in our eyes'..Amen and Amen.

So dear brothers and sisters, say a prayer, write your prayers in the comment section...He hears, He answers.

iPray...will you?

Remain blessed and highly favoured. This is our season to reign, our season to shine.

iWorship Wednesdays: God is all around us

2010-09-15T00:00:00.000Z

Hi people,

I must apologise, this song was originally by the group Anointed but couldn't get any videos of them on Youtube. I think this group did a good job of presenting the song, meditate on the words if you can. In a world of transient relationships and quickly changing circumstances, I'm glad that there is a constant in my life which is that God is around. The word says that 'He is a very PRESENT help in the time of need'...He is 'always there'. Be blessed.

God is all around us

Consider the kindness of a stranger

That passes by your way

For there are ties that bind us

Together, forever

Touching the broken-hearted friend

Brings healing to the soul within

There’s evidence everywhere

Of His love, sweet love

Chorus:

God is all around us

Even when we feel we’re all alone

I can hear Him whispering my name

Telling me that I’m His own

God is all around us

Even when we feel all hope is gone

God is all around

They’re so many lessons yet to learn

And I don’t know where the road will turn

He always finds a way

To guide me, remind me

That if I should fall into the night

He will be there, a shining light

For all the world to see

With open arms for you and me

Chorus

God is all around (He’ll hear your prayers)

If you just reach out (He’s everywhere)

God is everywhere

God is all around us

When you feel all alone

Can’t you hear Him whispering your name

Telling you that you’re His own

For God is all around

God is all around

iPray Fridays: Jehovah Rapha

2010-09-10T00:00:00.001Z

He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you."

Exodus 15:26

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.

Malachi 4:2

/heal·ing/ [hee-ling]: growing sound; getting well; mending. (Dictionary.com)

I love the sound of that..growing sound, getting well, mending. This is God's desire for us that we be made well. I'm sure each and every one of us knows someone who could do with God's healing touch today. Today we make a decision to stand in the gap for them. If you don't you can pray for me (my bank account needs healing...lol!). When Jesus came to earth, He was moved with compassion..I can't recount how many times He said 'Rise up and walk' or 'Be healed' or 'Be opened'. Today we carry the power of the Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead within us so we too cry out and say 'Rise up and walk', 'Be healed' and 'Be opened'.

Today I want us to go deeper, for some of us we need healing on the inside..there is nothing physical about our ailment but we still need that touch from God. He is willing and able..there is nothing He cannot do. No, I don't know why sometimes we pray and it seems like there is no answer. Only God knows that...I will still pray anyway. I remember asking my mum why Elisha died from an illness and yet his dry bones raised a man from the dead. Only God knows that...I will still pray anyway.

iPray...will you?

Remain blessed and highly favoured. Our God still answers prayer.

N.B Feel free to use the comments to write down your prayers, anonymously if you prefer in case you want to mention cases by name. God sees your heart and He knows who and what you are praying about. Remember to thank Him in advance and share your testimonies too.

Another important point that just came to me...there is a difference between health and healing. To the man by the pool, Jesus said after his healing '...Go and sin no more'...for some of us its 'Go and exercise more' or 'Go and change your diet' or 'Go and rest a little'...we are spirits that live in bodies. Our spirits are eternal, our bodies are not. Ask God for the grace to take the very best care of your body that you can. It is well.

iWorship Wednesdays; Trouble aint..

2010-09-08T00:00:00.001Z

Hi people

Sorry for the break in transmission. It's been real busy at my end but I felt very guilty for abandoning the blog. Wow..2010 has been a year but I thank God. This song really got me through some hard times this year. Thanks to Ministers Erica and Tina...I'm sure it will bless you as well.

Trouble aint

Can't promise you no pain no tears

Can't say you'll never be lonely again

My friend

But you see there's a remedy

There's someone who's got

Everything you need

And if you hear what I'm saying

I'm sure you'll agree that?-

Trouble ain't gon' be here everyday

Even though sometimes it seems like it won't go away

After you've done all that you know how

Just to keep from breaking down

Just believe it's gonna get much better

After awhile

Sometimes I sit back and I think about

Where I've been and where I am

Right now

See I wasn't quite sure you could

Hear me calling

But you were there to catch me

When I was falling

So I know

Oh sometimes we may just want to cry

Then you tell me it's gonna be alright

You can't go through life

Living problem free

But you got to keep the faith

And you got to believe

So the next time you're feeling

A little frustration

And you going through

A bad situation

Remind yourself that it won't last for long

'Cause soon it will be over and you'll be moving

iPray Fridays: This time next year according to the season of life

2010-08-20T00:00:00.047Z

Then the Lord said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son."

Genesis 18:10a

Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised.

Genesis 21:1

Thank God it's another iPray Friday. Lord, thank you because today meets us alive and well. There are so many things we take for granted, that I take for granted such as each and every Friday I will be here to pray. That I even have an avenue to pray and a platform to pray, Daddy I'm grateful. For the faithful brothers and sisters that join me to pray, Father I'm grateful. Lord, that I serve a prayer answering God, I am indeed grateful. Thank you so much for everything.

Today I would like to pray for couples who are trusting God for the fruit of the womb. I have a number of friends where this used to be the case but to the glory of God, the story has changed. It's difficult to explain the different emotions that come with trying to have a baby which should be relatively simple but month after month knowing that not just yet. Doctors do their best, science can explain to the best of its ability but our Creator always has the final verdict. I trust God and believe that if He could do it for Abraham and Sarah, I'm not sure there's anyone whose situation was more impossible than that.

After many disappointments, its easy for one's faith to fail but I pray today that the joy of the Lord will be your strength. That your days of laughter, your Isaac is not far ahead. That yes, even if I don't know you in the season of life I pray that you will have your own testimony in Jesus name. For the one who cries and asks God 'Why' and 'When', I don't have any answers but to encourage you that no matter how you feel God sees you and knows you by name and He will meet you. I pray that He gives you a specific word that you can run with.

People can we pray for our brothers and sisters today. If you know anyone you would like to pray for specifically, you can use them as a point of contact..anon if you please. I believe God, you shall laugh soon in Jesus name. You can also pray for expectant mothers...there are so many around me it's almost like an epidemic (lol) that God will see them through in Jesus name.

Remain blessed and highly favoured.

ZoeB

iWorship Wednesdays: Calling my name

2010-08-18T00:00:00.001Z

I don't know about you but I have messed up so many times. With God, with people. When I listen to this song, I see myself sitting in a room all by myself musing over what I've done wrong. I hear the voices of the others, the 'good' ones having fellowship with their Father, they are laughing, they are fellowshipping...all of a sudden there is silence as I hear His voice call out...Where is Zoe? I want her here with me. He's always called me, He's always kept His arms open. O Lord, I desperately want to be home with you....always.

It's quite a long song and I haven't included the lyrics but it's a beautiful song that reminds me of the love our Heavenly Father has for us. He knows us as individuals, He knows our names. Our names are inscribed in the palms of His hands. He's calling your name today....will you answer?

iMeditate Mondays

2010-08-16T00:00:00.001Z

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Joshua 1:8

/meditate/: To plan, consider or think of doing..

Hi people,

iMeditate Mondays is about delving deeper. About the word becoming flesh and living amongst us. I was reading some notes from the sermons I sat in last year and wondering...what happens after my pen has created 'stories' from what Pastor has said? How has my life changed based on the words I have just listened to? It isn't enough to write notes...it's like basing your university degree on how many lectures you attended or how many notes you wrote but on what was learnt. For learning to take place, one must reflect; reflect on the new knowledge coming in and construct new realities.

The sermon I listened to yesterday was about doing the Father's will. In Samaria, Jesus disciples brought him some food and He said his food was to do His Father's will (John 4). The harvest is ripe, the workers are few. The questions I'm asking myself..

What does being relevant in the Kingdom of God mean? Is this just about being a church worker? Someone asked me a question on Twitter recently about whether it was essential one became a worker in their church...what do you think? What does doing the Father's will mean to be personally?

Hmm...

iMeditate Mondays. Please join...Click comments. Add yours..

iPray Fridays: One Flesh

2010-08-13T00:00:00.025Z

The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, for she was taken out of man." For this reason a man will leave his father and his mother and be united to his wife, and they will become ONE FLESH. The man and his wife were both naked and they felt no shame.

Genesis 2:23-25

Happy 29th anniversary to Denalyn, the love of my life. Because of you, my winter has no chill, summer no heat and i can't stop smiling!

@MaxLucado (From Twitter...8/8/2010)

Dear all,

Firstly, Daddy I thank you for another opportunity to be alive for iPray Fridays. Today we will be lifting up marriages and romantic relationships before our Heavenly Father. This is for married people as well as singles..a few weeks ago a dear friend told me that 'if she knew this was what marriage was about, she would rather have waited to be 40 than being married'. All over the world, we lament at what is called a 'failing institution', we all know statistics, interesting that the divorce rate both within and without of the church has no significant difference anymore. Well today is not about numbers or sharing stories but about going back to basics, back to the beginning. Marriage was instituted by God, I see it as a 'type' for the relationship He desires to have with us. To be one with us.

Tweets like the one shared above from Pastor Lucado fill me with hope because truth is there are a lot of beautiful stories I know..Like my friends TA/DA and TP/TP..when you are around couples like them you know that even though relationships can be tough, with God as your foundation you can overcome any storm. So today we offer prayers for the institution of marriage, married folk that we know especially those going through crisis, its not enough to talk about it but to pray about it. We also pray for single people, after the decision to make Jesus Christ your Lord and Master, who you marry is the next significant decision you can make.

So pray, anonymously or not. God who sees your prayers in secret will reward you openly. It is His desire that our marriages are a taste of heaven on earth. Don't settle for less.

So iPray, do you?

iWorship Wednesdays: Only Praise

2010-08-11T00:00:00.001Z

Hello people

Hope your week is panning out great. There are those days when its all dark and gloomy and its not just because its winter, there seems to be no light anywhere. Those days when we can't pray we need to learn how to press beyond the heaviness to praise. This morning I praised God simply because my bus came on time...'its those little things He does that mean so much to me'. This song made me fall in love with Infinity, I pray it makes you fall even more in love with the Father. Thank you Infinity.

iPray Fridays: Letters to Home

2010-08-06T00:00:00.005Z

Dear Daddy

It hurts......it hurts real bad.

Dear daughter

I know, my child, I know. But I am here and I am listening. Don't lose sight of me in your pain...you need to come home.

Your Father..

Because some days, you can't use a prayer book and there are no '10 steps to receiving your breakthrough'...it's just you and your Daddy and you can sit silent in His presence, cry, speak, rant just because He is your Daddy. Write your letter to home today, it's a letter to your Daddy..it could be a letter of thanksgiving, a letter of adoration or it could be a letter asking Why? Your daddy is always here and let's face it, there's nothing you can say that will take him by surprise because He knows your thoughts...so start writing!!

Remain blessed and highly favoured

ZoeB

Songs that inspire; Power of your love

2010-08-04T04:56:00.000Z

I woke up this morning, with the chorus of this song in my heart. Please prayerfully meditate on the words of this song. The love of God is something I still cannot understand. How he can love the sinner and hate the sin, how He can take me back after I've made a mistake. How He can wash me with the blood of His son. How He can both be a God of judgement and one of mercy. What I know is that His love is indeed powerful enough to heal any broken heart. We must avail ourselves of His love because He is love. That is His nature. Lord, today I ask that you increase the depth of our knowledge regarding the love you have for us in Jesus name. Thanks Hillsong.

iPray Friday: For the love of God

2010-07-30T00:00:00.063Z

Father I thank you because another Friday has come and we find ourselves alive and well. Thank you for being who you are. My God, who is the King of kings. My God, who is the Lord of lords. My God who reigns supreme. You are Jehovah El-Elyon, the Most High God, higher than any situation I could ever think of facing. You are God and I'm so grateful to be called your child, even more honoured to be considered as your bride.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Colossians 3:12-14

Hmm, Lord. Your word says that the greatest commandment is that I love you with all my heart, soul and strength and also I should love my neighbour as I love myself. Ever so often I go through 'The Love Chapter' in 1 Corinthians 13 and usually find myself falling short.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

1st Corinthians 13: 4-7

Thank you for showing me that it is impossible for me to live according to this standard....because you never intended for it to be but the love of God that comes as a fruit of the Spirit...for the fruit of the Spirit is love. Lord teach me how to love, the way You would have me love. A love that is sincere and without hypocrisy, a love that comes from a heart that has been yielded totally to the Father. It simply isn't enough to desire to be more 'loving', walking in love is tantamount to walking in the Spirit. If I walk in the Spirit, then I don't fulfill the call of the flesh. Father, it's about admitting that I cannot do this without your help. Holy Spirit, I ask for your help in weeding out every 'self' weed and planting the seed of love in my heart.

Daddy, I know that I cannot love others if I do not learn how to love you, neither can I love others if I don't love myself. I'm not claiming to know what this all means but Daddy I am open to learning, show me the different avenues I can share your love to a dying world. Father, I pray for a renewal of love in the body of Christ that we may love each other as it was in the beginning. Father, let our profession of faith not be in mere words but in deed and action that people not see us but Christ in us, the hope of glory. That your love fill me till I overflow and shed abroad into the lives of those around me.

Help me to walk away from the 'pettiness' and the 'drama' that comes when I live in the flesh instead of living in the Spirit. God, I know your grace is more than sufficient to enable me walk in love every single day of my life. I pray for the love of God for you are love and I am your child so love is in my spiritual DNA. Thank you Father, I bless and magnify your name.

I love you Lord.

Remain blessed and highly favoured.

ZoeB

N.B Feel free to add your prayers, requests as comments (anon or otherwise). It was so nice last week to pray with others as they lifted their requests before the prayer answering God. He hears and He does answer..

Songs that inspire: He will come and save you

2010-07-28T00:00:00.000Z

This is one of my favourite oldies...this song reminds me to always 'lift up my eyes to the hills from where my help comes, my help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.'...Halleluyah to the Lord. Thank you Pastor Bob Fitts.

iPray Friday: Take it to the altar

2010-07-23T07:31:00.002Z

"I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
I cannot bear my burdens alone;
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone."

Chorus from 'I must tell Jesus' by Elisha Hoffman

Trust in Him at all times

O people

Pour out your hearts to him

For God is our refuge

Psalm 62:8

Hi everyone

Hope you've had a good week? Thank God it's iPray Friday. Hmm, I had a long conversation with a friend yesterday who is facing some marital issues and after the conversation I must admit that I was totally overwhelmed with the situation. Hmm, God whispered to me that 'you may be overwhelmed but there is no situation that overwhelms Me.' Yesterday I didn't even pray for her because I didn't know where to start or end. So today it's about each of us taking those things we have buried in our hearts to the altar. If it's something you feel like sharing, leave your prayers as comments, anonymously if you prefer. My prayer(s) will be in the comment section as well. But today is about unburdening our hearts to the One who always understands, who always has time, who promised to be with us always...even when sometimes it seems we are on our own and it's difficult to go on in faith...let's just talk to Jesus today.

Have a wonderful weekend..

iPray Friday: Simply believe..

2010-07-16T00:00:00.029Z

Thank God for another iPray Friday. One of the most beautiful things for me about blogging is the ~~community~~ family that I have now become a member of. I have aunties, uncles, brothers and sisters. Now when I say 'friend' my family asks me 'real friend' or 'computer friend'..lol! Today I'm excited not just because its iPray Friday but because our very own Professor (LDP) is a guest blogger and will be leading prayer. I haven't known him very long but I'm grateful that men like him still exist on this earth! I'm sure you've read his blog (if you haven't, where have you been???). Aburo, ese gan, I have been blessed by reading and I'll be so grateful if you would consider passing this way quite often. Be blessed as you pray..

"Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God that it shall be even as it was told me" - Acts 27:25

I have come to discover that the lives of men are shaped by what they believe. In other words, you and I are what we believe. Miracles have happened in the lives of some people simply because they just would not give up on what they believe. Likewise, some have died when they perhaps should not have, simply because they had believed that it’s time to ‘go’. Just as our thoughts governs what our lives would look like, so does what we believe, shape our eventual destination. If so, I think it is very important to be conscious of what we think about because our thoughts shapes our beliefs and like the words of my Dad, “what you believe is what you will eventually become.”

Paul amidst a great storm, stood up and said "...I believe God..." I remember listening to one of the survivors of a recent terrorist attack - he said; “immediately the first bomb sounded, everyone started to make calls: Husbands calling wives, children calling parents, parents calling their children, friends calling friends, partners calling associates all because of the great storm” - thank God for technology. How wonderful would it be if someone stood up and said "Ladies and gentlemen, be of good cheer, I believe what was told me that, “with long life He will satisfy me and show me His salvation"

Someone said, the heart of the matter is a matter of the heart. The heart of existence lies in being conscious of the significance of what my heart put its seal on. It’s high time we stopped believing the economic forecasts on CNN, CNBC or BBC. We should start believing the 'Kingdomnomic forecasts' we hear on the church pulpit every Sunday because Heaven and Earth shall pass away but only God's word will endure forever. Listen to me, the God we serve is not a God of the news, He is a God of the new. He does new things everyday! So, start shaping your life wisely; on the word of God and not on forecasts from experts. Start believing words like these...

"For my God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" - Phill 4:19

"The blessings of the LORD, it makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it" - Prov 10:22

"God has blessed me with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" - Eph 1:3

"I have set the Lord always before me, because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved" -

Ps 16v8

"I shall be the head and not the tail, above only and not beneath" - Deut 28:13

"when men are saying there is a casting down, then I shall say there is a lifting up..." Job 22:29

"A thousand shall fall by my left, ten thousand by my right hand, they shall not come near me" -

Ps 91v7

...And many more (wish time and space would permit).

I would like to thank ZoeBeliever for this wonderful opportunity to be a blessing to people’s lives - something I always look forward to. May God continue to shower upon you grace to fulfil His purpose in destiny in Jesus’ name. You are a blessing :)

SHALOM!

Sometimes......Everytime

2010-07-12T06:21:00.000Z

Sometimes I'm like Adam

I shouldn't eat the fruit but I do anyway

Sometimes I'm like Abraham

I say I believe but I'm holding out on Option B

Sometimes I'm like Sarah

Allowing jealousy to get the better of me

Sometimes I'm like Isaac

I lie to get myself out of a sticky situation

Sometimes I'm like Moses

I react in anger rather than responding in love

Sometimes I'm like David

Carried away in the moment, not thinking about consequences

Sometimes I'm like Elijah

I've seen the fire fall but fear still has a grip on my heart

Sometimes I'm like Peter

I deny, funny how one can deny without saying a word

Sometimes I'm like John Mark

Turning back when the road seems too tough

BUT

EVERYTIME

When I stop and stay still in His presence

He says "I LOVE YOU, COME BACK HOME"

Everytime He loves me

Not because I'm perfect but because He loves me perfectly

Everytime He corrects me

Smacks do hurt, consequences bring pain

Everytime He turns me

In the right direction because He knows it so well

Everytime He reminds me

I am His beloved and He is mine

Everytime

Every single time.....

The Bible says that 'the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning, great is His faithfulness' also ' He has loved us with an everlasting love, He has drawn us to Him by His loving kindness.' We will make mistakes sometimes, we'll fall flat on our faces and wonder how we who know what is right end up getting it so wrong but don't despair, avail yourself of His grace today. Grace is not about making excuses for sin but it is God's arms that lift you out of the ditch, it is giving yourself permission to admit 'I made a mistake, God I'm sorry, help me!'.

Father, I thank you because you are a God of compassion. Thank you for lifting me up. Amen.

Remember the story of your life can never be over until The Storyteller says 'The End.' Remain blessed and highly favoured and have a great week.

Songs that inspire: Everlasting God

2010-07-07T00:00:00.001Z

He is an Everlasting God. Baba mi, Arugbo Ojo (My Father, Ancient of Days). He doesn't get tired, He doesn't go weak. There is nothing too hard for Him. Let us lean on and trust in Him today..Thank you Chris Tomlin

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord

We will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever

Our hope, our Strong Deliverer

You are the everlasting God

The everlasting God

You do not faint

You won't grow weary

Our God, You reign forever

Our hope, our Strong Deliverer

You are the everlasting God

The everlasting God

You do not faint

You won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak

You comfort those in need

You lift us up on wings like eagles

The problem of too many

2010-07-04T00:00:00.005Z

The LORD said to Gideon, "You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands. In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her,

Judges 7: 2

This post was inspired in part by a friend's BBM status 'Plenty, plenty options.' While on the surface, this could sound like a good thing, meditating on the verse above made me realise that too many can be a problem in itself. Sometimes, we limit ourselves and the flow of God through us because we feel we don't have enough but what we have is indeed enough and from Scripture I know that we serve a God who doesn't need so much anyway because in Himself He is more than enough. Having many open doors can just be as bad as having no open door because which one shall you go through? Most times I sacrifice the important for the urgent because there are so many things clamouring for time and attention, because I haven't made my main thing the main thing. Most importantly, when we are too talented, too gifted, too good we may forget that it is God who has given us the ability to do what we do. That it is His grace which is more than sufficient for our tasks.

The Love Test: From 32,000 to 10,000

....announce now to the people, 'Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.' " So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear....The one who fears is not made perfect in love

1st John 4:18

In this passage, there was a battle to be fought. The people had been under oppression from Midian, symbolic of a devouring spirit. Regardless of the effort they put into sowing and tending their livestock, the Midianites appeared like a swarm of locusts to devour all they had at harvest time. I reject that spirit of sowing much and reaping little in our lives in Jesus name. God was raising an army to put the enemy to shame. The same is true for this generation. God is raising an army for the end times to battle the spirit of the AntiChrist, to preach the word, to encourage the wounded. As we all know, it's not everyone who signs to join the army that is eventually given army fatigues. There are physical tests, mental tests, different hurdles that they must go through before they can call themselves a soldier. Zoe Believers, the physical and spiritual are parallel. God gave them a 'Love Test', the Word says there is no fear in love. So if I'm 'fearing' I'm not loving. 32,000 people showed up, a good number for a lot did not even show up and yet God said 'too many'. God sees our hearts, He knows those that are for Him on the inside and not just PDA (Public Displays of Affection). Father forgive me, for I must let go of fear and walk in perfect love.22,000 people left..wow that's like over 69%. Do you love God more? More than what? More than anything? We cannot be like Lot's wife and look back. Father, I pray to pass the love test

The Readiness Test: From 10,000 to 300

But the LORD said to Gideon, "There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will sift them for you there. If I say, 'This one shall go with you,' he shall go; but if I say, 'This one shall not go with you,' he shall not go." So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the LORD told him, "Separate those who lap the water with their tongues like a dog from those who kneel down to drink." Three hundred men lapped with their hands to their mouths. All the rest got down on their knees to drink.

God says, 'still too many', to put this into context the Bible says the Midianites, Amalekites and other Eastern people had joined forces against Israel. Hmm, so it wasn't a small battle. I thank God for the way He uses the 'foolish' things of this world to shame the 'wise'. Its like a team made up of 2 year olds winning the World Cup and displacing the likes of Brazil and Argentina! Many are called, few are chosen. Only 300 men were selected from 10,000 that's less than 10%! We may pass the love test but we must pass the readiness test as well. How ready are you to be used in the Kingdom, it will show by your conduct. Those who lapped with their hands to their mouths were aware of what was going on around them, the true mark of a soldier, readiness for whatever might come your way! Halleluyah! Can you be counted on? In your family, in your church? If there's work to be done and it needs to be done well, do people think of you or are you automatically disqualified (Ouch!!). There is work to be done and we must be ready. Its not the strength of the numbers but that everyone if functioning in their unction.Small groups are making big waves around the world. 'What you have is enough' as long as God is in it.

At the end of the day, the glory belongs to God and not me. God's military strategy na wa, outnumbered, 'outexperienced' and your weapon is torchlight in your left hand and trumpet in your right hand. lol! I too may have asked questions. God is looking for people of faith, if it was me I'd be like 'men we need some AK-47's right here. But the battle was won and God took the glory because the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God for the pulling down of stronghold. God doesn't need a big army, just a ready one. Will you be a part of His army?

Father, forgive me for opening so many doors, looking for 'plenty, plenty options'. I repent for the times I failed the love test and the readiness test. I submit myself to your will. I repent of an oloju kokoro spirit that desires what others have and despises the gift I have been anointed with. Dear Lord, I will stir it up and use it all to your glory in Jesus name. Amen.

iPray Fridays: Reclaiming the Priesthood

2010-07-02T00:00:00.000Z

But you are a chosen people, a ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the HIGH CALLING of PRIESTLY WORK, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.

1st Peter 2: 9-10 (NIV, The Message)

Awimayehun, you are the One who never goes back on your word. Father I give you praise and magnify your name for you are worthy of all praise. Another Friday is here, the first in the second half of this year and I am alive and well, finding myself before the throne of grace to obtain mercy in the time of need. I am so special. Daddy, thank you for everything, for rain and sunshine, for summer and winter. For good food and good friends, thank you for direction, thank you for closed doors for if all doors had been opened we wouldn't have known which one was the right one.

Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to WORK and REBUILT the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel.

Nehemiah 3:1

Father you spoke through your son, telling us to rise up and take up our calling, our royal priesthood. Hmm, I'd always thought priesthood was reserved for clergy folk, those with pulpits, those with sheep but Lord you have shown us through your word that in this new Covenant we have via the blood of your son, we are all priests and you have given us a mission in your house to the Body and outside to the world. Lord, forgive me for abandoning my calling to pursue my own interests like the Levites in the time of Nehemiah or those in the time of Haggai who thought it not important to build the house of the Lord. Father, forgive me for I know I have been so distracted from Kingdom work as I tried to put my life 'back in order' but You created me, You chose me, You called me to be a priest, You know the purpose for my life. My prayer is just like Paul's to be crucified with you, that I no longer live but Christ lives in me.

Daddy, the priests were different from the congregation of the Israelites because they had been ordained by you for a special task. They lived by a different set of rules for they were to distinguish between the holy and the common. Father, these days I know that I easily fall sway to trying to 'blend' in with my surroundings instead of recognising my priest hood as one that is set apart. Forgive me for not making pleasing you my highest priority. Lord, the priests stood in the gap between You and Israel, to make atonement for their sins. Priesthood is not about being recognised but about service. Instill a servant's heart in me O Lord in the mighty name of Jesus.

Father today I ask for the grace to honour and respect my priesthood. To realise that I am the temple of the Holy Spirit and being a priest is not a part time job, that being a priest is something I am and not something I do. I am a priest, 24 hours of the day, 366 days of the year.Father, for the priests, You were their inheritance. I pray as Paul prayed 'to know the hope to which You have called me, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints and Your incomparably great power at work in us who believe.' The calling of the priesthood is one of awesome responsibility because it is for life but Lord I know your grace is more than sufficient. You have set me a mission and I shall fulfill it in the mighty name of Jesus. I separate myself from the distractions of this world and ask for renewed focus daily to fix my eyes on that high calling of God in Christ.

I am reclaiming my priesthood, I allow You to change my wardrobe, to take off the filthy garments of the old nature as you did for Joshua the high priest (Zechariah 3) and receive new garments, the garments of purity. I receive a new turban, that of holiness to the Lord. Father, help me to walk in in your ways and keep your requirements because in these last days, we can no longer afford to have business as usual. It is time for your children to reclaim their priesthood, rebuild the altars and present a pleasing sacrifice, the sacrifice of our wills.

Thank you Father, thank you Lord. I pray for those who have not yet come into a relationship with you. Priests are born, in the Old Covenant via Levi, in the New through the blood of your Son. I pray that they come to the knowledge of your Way, that the seed of the Word of God sown by many witnesses will find a receptive place in their hearts and bear much fruit in the mighty name of Jesus. Thank you my God and my King in Jesus name.

I am a Priest of the Most High God, anointed and consecrated for service.

Songs that inspire; Rescue

2010-06-30T00:00:00.004Z

To God be the glory for the great things He has done, He is truly our God who is worthy of all praise and adoration. A few months ago when I couldn't even open my mouth to utter a word of prayer, God used the ministry of Don Moen to speak to me. He indeed came to my rescue as He always has and always will. I pray you realise that as the words below describe so eloquently we serve a God who is indeed our refuge in the storm. Call on Him, He will come to your rescue.

Gbani, gbani tan sa ya

A deliverer that we can always run to for help

Agbara to bori gbogbo agbara

The power that's above all powers

Iwo lolugbeja omo orukan

The defender of the orphan

Awimayehun

The One who will not go back on His words

Praise and translation from http://www.mountaintoppraise.co.uk/. (I'm not that good yet..lol!!)

Rescue

You are the source of life

I can`t be left behind

No one else will do

I will take hold of you

Cause I need you Jesus

To come to my rescue

Where else can I go

There`s no other name

By which I am saved

capture me with grace

I will follow you

My heart is yours for life

I need your hand in mine

No one else will do

I put my trust in you

Cause I need you Jesus

To come to me rescue

Tell me Where else can I go

There`s no other name

By which I am saved

capture me with grace

I will follow you

This world has nothing for me

iPray Fridays: More grace

2010-06-25T00:00:00.004Z

Hmm, I'm excited. Today I have a guest blogger leading prayer. She's a new blogger but I've known her since the day she was born 'x' years ago. Lol! She's none other than VirtuousKelly, please show her some blogville love on her blog! I'm excited because I know Ms. Kelly is passionate about prayer...I'm excited when I see young people passionate about God and committed to developing their prayer lives. Thanks darling for doing this. I pray that as your name signifies, you will always have a reason to praise and thank God for the wonderful things He has done and will continue to do to and through you in Jesus name. Amen.

If you would like to send in a prayer (or request) on any topic to be shared on iPray Fridays, please send me an email, amarasviewonstuff@yahoo.com. This is a time to rebuild our altar of prayer. Praying without ceasing. Our mission is that we are so excited about prayer that Thank God it's Friday becomes Thank God it's iPray Friday...Amen.

Prayer Scripture: 2nd Corinthians 12: 9-10

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

I thank you Jesus for such an opportunity to dwell in your presence. I thank you Lord for such an opportunity to share your word through various mediums of communication. I thank you Lord for giving Zoe Believer insight on coming to you every Friday publicly to table our requests to you according to your word in Philippians 4:6. I thank you Lord because you are awesome and will show yourself strong and mighty in our lives always.

Father we thank you for the gift of life because many times we take it for granted and forget that you are the giver of it all. From the sun that shines in the morning, for the air that we breathe, for the rain that falls on the earth, for the stars that beautify the skies and for the moon that gives us peaceful light. Father we thank you for all these things.

We thank you Lord because irrespective of what happens around us, be it tribulations or hardships or the troubles of this world, you have always shown us that your grace is sufficient for us. Even at times when we are weak in spirit you have sent us the Holy Spirit to be a comforter to comfort us in all situations. For this we are forever grateful. Where will we be had it not been for your grace and your mercy? Many of us would have been cast down, broken and battered but You, Ancient of Days, found us worthy by dying on the cross on our behalf in order to give us this grace that is all sufficient. That is why we call you Almighty El Shaddai: The All Sufficient God.

You have left us scriptures of encouragement to help us through every storm we face: In times when we feel we are beset by stagnation you have given us Proverbs 4:18:

The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

When we feel there is dryness, You have given us Isaiah 43:19:

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert

and streams in the wasteland.

In times when we are beset my burdens and need a word You have given us Jeremiah 33:3:

'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'

Father we thank you. Because we can go on and on taking scriptures from your word which shows us that your grace is ever sufficient. That in our weaknesses your power is made evident. Your awesomeness is shown through all generation. So to this we thank you because in every situation we find ourselves in we will rejoice and be glad because we have a God who is working on our behalf and making everything work together for our good. Give us the grace and ability to keep pressing on, to keep looking forward and up to the author and finisher of our faith even if we are thrown into the wilderness. Bring us out of it all as better and stronger people in the faith.

Our Miracle worker, our mountain remover, our ever present help in times of trouble, our deliverer, our way maker, our invincible God, our God who fetches water with a basket to disgrace the bucket, our magnificent warrior, lily of the valley and rose of Sharon: We thank you because you are doing things for us which ears have not heard and eyes have not seen. We thank you because your grace is sufficient and that in our weaknesses your power is resting in us and makes us strong and victorious.

To this we give you all the glory, honour and praise. Thank you because you are more than able. To this we have prayed in Jesus name.

Songs that inspire: Draw me close to you

2010-06-23T00:00:00.006Z

iWorship. Hmm, this song is an old one but the words of this prayer must always echo in our hearts. If we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. He should be our desire, that One person we can never do without, our relationship with Him, that One thing we can never do without. For me, this is a prayer for I cannot say I live the reality of these words but daily I strive to. For the Father to be all I want, to be all I've ever needed. I encourage you to worship the Father today...

Draw me close to You

Never let me go

I lay it all down again

To hear You say that I'm Your friend

You are my desire

No one else will do

'Cause nothing else could take Your place

To feel the warmth of Your embrace

Help me find the way

Bring me back to You

You're all I want

You're all I've ever needed

You're all I want

Help me know You are near

Good and lasting change..

2010-06-20T00:00:00.089Z

The Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded. He went out to meet Asa and said to him, "Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.

2nd Chronicles 15: 1-2

GOOD CHANGE

In my church, this month has been declared to be our month of 'GOOD CHANGE'. Amen. I declare a good change over issues that may have persisted for long in our lives in the mighty name of Jesus. The main focus of my prayer these days has been for God to work within me, strengthening my inner man, uprooting evil seeds, getting to the root of things, not just dealing with the things I do but rewriting the script from which the actions flow forth.It's an interesting way our God works, in an instant He can cause blind eyes to open, the lame to walk and provide supernatural supply. Even salvation is an instant process, we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths and we are saved. However, I've come to realise that the greatest work does in us isn't as instant, isn't as visible. It is God working in us to become like Him. This is a lifelong process and takes time. As I pondered on the verses above, it was like the Holy Spirit saying to me

'It is time to change tactics, it is time to seek the Lord, stop always trying to change behaviour instead of taking time to develop a relationship with the Creator who possesses the manual. He created you, He knows what you are capable of. He's Father, Friend, Coach. His Spirit is stretching you beyond what you thought possible through tests and trials to develop you. He chases you to the point of salvation but the desire for growth and communion with Him is up to you for you must make the choice. He cannot force His will on you for that is not love but control. If you seek Him, He will be found by you. Your change cannot come from self-help but God help. To bring about reform, we must go to the One who is the Author and Finisher and ask for His help.'

When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Azariah son of Oded the prophet, he took courage. He removed the detestable idols from the whole land of Judah and Benjamin and from the towns he had captured in the hills of Ephraim. He repaired the altar of the LORD

Replacement therapy

His actions remind me of Gideon, who after receiving His mission statement from God, destroyed the altars for idolic worship and built an altar to the Lord. Hmm, these idols, I can write a book or two about them. For lasting change, the idols we have set up in our lives must be dethroned but even more than that we must consciously repair the altar of the Lord in the temple of our hearts. For God to live in us, He must reign supreme, 'I am the Lord your God, you must have no other gods before me'. He does not accept to be our back up plan, our alternative. What does this mean practically? That ensuring our relationship with God becomes our number one priority. Not our careers, not even the 'job' God has given us to do in Kingdom, not our spouse, or our desire for a spouse, all these things are important but must flow from the relationship we have with God. Our priorities determine how we spend our time, money and things precious. I have to ask myself these days, what that says about my relationship with God. Have I truly built an altar? An altar of worship, an altar of prayer, an altar of sacrifice?

Like Asa, the actions required for lasting change will need us to take courage because we will have to make decisions which are unpopular. Some of us may sacrifice relationships which are pulling us away from our first love. If you have a friend who is always negative about your spouse, your family or your job we normally distance ourselves from them to preserve what we hold dear. Let us in like manner hold fast to our God. Asa had to remove his mother from being queen because she refused to follow the Lord. As leaders, we must make tough decisions for the greater good.

....for large numbers had come over to him from Israel when they saw that the LORD his God was WITH HIM. ........They took an oath to the LORD with loud acclamation, with shouting and with trumpets and horns. All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side. There was no more war until the thirty-fifth year of Asa's reign.

The Covenant

When we give God the honour due to Him, He begins to work in our lives in ways we never thought possible. The people that had been scattered all over came back home when they heard that the Lord was with him. Whose destiny is tied to yours, that needs you as a divine advertisement of the transforming power of the grace of God so that they can come back 'home' so to speak. We can't keep talking about a God who seems 'impotent' of bringing about lasting change in our own lives. What is the evidence that we can present to the world of what serving Christ has done for us personally? Father, help me on this one.

When we begin to get our acts right with God on the inside (private), He begins to do things that are noticed by all (public). The people came back and all decided to enter into a covenant with God. Yes, we sing He is a covenant keeping God but a covenant has to do with all the parties in the covenant. God will keep His end of the bargain, are you keeping yours. That's a whole post in its own right. The Word says that God then gave them 'rest on every side, there was no more war' for a season. There is nothing that we 'lose' for Christ that we do not gain back many times over. Those things we felt we couldn't do without, as we draw closer to God, He begins to give us a desire for something different, all of a sudden 'vegetables' begin to have more appeal than the 'king's meat'. I pray that as you decide to step up with God in this season that He will give you rest on all sides. That as we surrender to His leading and guidance, we will begin to understand what it truly means to have Jehovah the God of War (Sabaoath) fighting on our behalf.

Dear Father,

I thank you because you are a God who desires to have a relationship with His children. Not stale legalistic do's and don'ts but a dynamic one where you speak and we listen, we speak and you listen, growing in you. You desire intimacy. Help us to draw near to you, forgive us for idolatry, we avail ourselves to the Holy Spirit that He may do His work in our lives in Jesus name. Whatever will prevent us from seeing a good change, we take authority over in Jesus name. By your mercy and grace, please lovingly show us those little foxes that spoil the vine, areas of compromise, the sins that easily beset us for by your grace we can receive strength to pull down idolic altars and build instead an altar unto you where our wills are the sacrifice. Thank you Father, thank you Lord for my change shall be good and it shall be a lasting change in Jesus name.

iPray Friday: Days of the Spirit

2010-06-18T06:29:00.000Z

It is my desire to encourage us to walk towards developing intimacy with the Father. Intimacy comes about as a result of spending time with someone, one on one, in spite of our busy schedules and commitments, letting the person know that hey life is busy but You mean everything to me. iPray Fridays is about making time to develop our prayer lives. Prayer is communicating with the Father, talking to Him and hearing from Him. iPray Friday is like having a date night every week. I pray that an army of warriors is raised that will truly change their world, not with swords or arms but on their knees. Today's prayer is based on a message I listened to in Glory House on Wednesday....these are indeed days of the Spirit!

"Even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning." Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly

Joel 2: 12-13, 15

Dear Father, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We approach your throne by the blood of Jesus which speaks of mercy and grace. We thank You for the awesome privilege of being considered as your sons and daughters for we know it is not by our own works lest we should boast but by your grace which is always sufficient for us in the time of need. Indeed this prayer was to declare your word of the outpouring of the Spirit but we cannot ignore the instructions that you have given us. Daddy, today I ask your forgiveness for jumping the gun, for not following your principles, for going my own way and expecting to show up on that path of disobedience I have carved for myself.
Today I declare that I will return to you with all my heart, I need your grace. I return to you in fasting, letting go of those things I think my flesh cannot do without, I return to you with mourning, true repentance for disobedience evidenced by a genuine desire and willingness to return to you to direct my paths. I distance myself from outward displays of repentance and I submit myself to the work you are doing on the inside of me, where no one notices but you know everything. Daddy, I return to you for you are gracious and compassionate.

Father, I consecrate myself once again to rise up to the challenge you have set for me. You cannot give me more than I can bear, I give you praise and magnify you for you are worthy.

The LORD will reply to them: "I am sending you grain, new wine and oil, enough to satisfy you fully; never again will I make you an object of scorn to the nations. Be not afraid, O land; be glad and rejoice. SURELY THE LORD HAS DONE GREAT THINGS..the trees are bearing their fruit; the fig tree and the vine yield their riches, "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten— the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm, my great army that I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed. THEN YOU WILL KNOW THAT I AM IN ISRAEL, THAT I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD AND THAT THERE IS NO OTHER, never again will my people be shamed"

Joel 2: 18-27

Daddy, we are asking for days of the Spirit. Your word shows enough evidence that the days of the Spirit come with transformation of our circumstances and situation. I love you my Father for being a good Father, source of wisdom. You have told us what to do and now you have shown us what You will also do in return. I thank you because in my month of good change, you are doing great things. Father from today I begin to walk in a new season. This is my Happy New Year, before I walked in the days of the flesh where I could only believe and thus receive what my physical senses could achieve but now I step into the days of the Spirit, evidenced by wonders. Miracles that can only be explained by the statement 'It has to be God.' Daddy, that was your word to me this year that it would be an 'It just has to be God year.' I run with that prophecy in this new season in Jesus name. Thank you for crowning my God directed efforts with success. The days of toiling are over! Thank you for the showers, thank you for restoration of what has been lost, I am indeed glad and I rejoice. Thank you Lord for turning things around for my good and for my favour in Jesus name.

And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth...And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the survivors whom the LORD calls

Joel 2:28-32

Thank you Lord, thank you for the opportunity to pray from your word. Lord, you said after these things you would pour out your Spirit on 'all flesh.' Thank you Lord because this includes me, today I desire a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit that I may remain in tune with your plans and desires in this season. For the Spirit of God knows the mind of God and reveals it to believers. Daddy, let these days of the Spirit that I am walking into be evidenced by prophecy; declaring your word concerning situations which is truth and rejecting the facts that the world has given us. I will arise and shine, regardless of the economic climate. My sisters and brothers will be blessed with the fruit of the womb, regardless of physical limitations. Every work that my hand finds to do, I will do with excellence because I am working by the Spirit and no longer leaning on my own understanding. Halleluyah. Father, I am dreaming like Joseph of the things to come, of your purpose and desires for me. I am seeing visions, visions of God, visions concerning my purpose on this planet, my home, my children, my business, my career. Father, I thank you because I have chosen to be part of the army that you will use to work your wonders in the last days. Thank you Holy Spirit. Father, I'm ready, to take on the garment of a servant.For you said you will pour out your Spirit on those with a servant's heart. Father, I'm calling unto you. There are so many things to be done, don't even know where to start! Thank you Lord, for a new calendar. Every day now is a day of the Spirit. Amen and Amen.

Daddy, I pray for your church, the ecclesia, those who have been called out to tune into these days of the Spirit. You said everyone who calls unto you shall be saved and there would be deliverance in your house. Daddy, today I am calling unto you. I decree and declare that in these days of the Spirit that the yokes will be broken, every physical and mental bondage broken. Issues that we have been bringing before you as we return to you, wait on you, fast and pray we will begin to testify of our deliverance in the mighty name of Jesus. Thank you for these days of the Spirit.

Songs that inspire: God is able!!

2010-06-16T00:00:00.001Z

Halleluyah! He is our God who is able to make possibilities out of the impossible. Don't give up! Your miracle is on the way, hold on to God in your season of waiting, in your season of trusting and watch Him make a way for you. This has got to be one of my best D. Haddon songs! Be blessed.

That one talent!

2010-06-13T00:00:00.002Z

Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ABILITY. Then he went on his journey..

Matthew 25:14-15

"As surely as the Lord your God lives," she replied, I don't have any bread-only a handful of flour in a jar and a LITTLE oil in a jug...

1st Kings 17:12a

This post is inspired by Jaycee's Smelling the Vases instead of the Roses and LDP and Naked Sha's 'What you have is Enough'. It really got me thinking about how I Believer was making use of what God had deposited in me. I believe that God has deposited something into each and every one of us as seen in the story above. God entrusted his property (the blessing) to all three people, the Bible records that He gave to each one 'according to His ability.' Today, in my prayer time I asked God for forgiveness because I know I am prone to always compare what I'm doing and how I'm doing it by what others are doing and how they are doing it. Today my prayer was Lord God, with that 1 talent I will do the very best that I can. God is a good God, sometimes we think we can handle more, we want more exposure, more opportunities but God knows what our abilities are. A blessing can rapidly become a curse to the one who does not have sufficient strength of character to handle it. We can be useful in the place of affliction but even more than that we must be useful with what we have, where we are. I remember when I started blogging, God told me never to write for comments or to be a 'popular' blogger but to write to encourage, to share my journey, to write what I heard. I pray for His grace to continue on that path in Jesus name. Zoe Believer, seek the face of God and allow Him to make you sensitive to that one talent that He has given you. If you can't recognise it, you won't use it.

"Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and HID your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.'

Elisha replied to her, "How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?" "You servant has nothing there at all," she said , "except a LITTLE oil"

2nd Kings 4:2

Yeah, so what? You didn't go to Harvard or Oxford, you didn't get a scholarship, you've never been on a plane, you didn't even complete college or get an undergraduate degree, your parents didn't do that much for you. Zoe Believer, I'm in no way making light of the situation that you face for sometimes I get that 'I've been shortchanged feeling' like well others can succeed because they had so much to start with in the first place! The thing is that we can't use that as an excuse for not turning our story around because God has given you the talent, its up to you to invest it in something profitable. God has promised to lead us and show us the way to go but we need to get over ourselves and our excuses and roll up our sleeves and tell God, I may have just the one but I'm going to work it so hard. What is that one talent that you are underestimating, an ability to cook delicious dishes, an ability to get on your knees and intercede, the ability to organise things, writing HTML, singing...A good place to start investing your talent is in the house of God and in the lives of those around you. What have you done in the past 7 days that made someone smile, in the past 3 days, in the last 24 hours? It's in serving that we discover our purpose, don't hide your talent. We can't all have public platforms to showcase our gifts but if you work your one talent, you increase your ability to deal with more. It's interesting to note that both widows had only a 'little' oil and yet that little combined with the supernatural of God was able to see them through the hard times. You have something and you can make a contribution. Don't hide. I'm talking to myself!

'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.

Then the Lord said to him, "What is that in your hand?" "A staff," he replied

Exodus 4:2

That one talent, who knew it could cause so much trouble, thing is that when you are so busy with your one talent, God begins to create other opportunities, if we could just take our eyes off what other people are doing and focus on what God has for us to be doing, we could achieve so much more. This doesn't mean being complacent for the people with 2 and 5 talents are there to inspire us to do so much more. I'm surprised that the guy with the 1 talent never went to ask the other guys for advice concerning what he should do with his, even if nothing they may have given him one talent and he would have had two! We should be learning from each other, those who compare themselves with themselves are not wise. For every Paul, there is Barnabas, the son of encouragement, standing in the background but still contributing to the Kingdom. That one talent, use it well!

iPray

Dear Father, once again I come before your throne and ask forgiveness concerning unhealthy comparisons I have made in my life. I know that you have given me that one talent and that what I have is enough to fulfill the purpose that you designed me for. So many times, my dissatisfaction comes from wanting to run a race that is different from the one you have designed for me. Lord, open my eyes, remove the wax from my ears, let me be sensitive to the areas of need around me, on the job, in your house, in my family. Help me to express my one talent to the best of my ability in Jesus name. Lord, I want to be the very best for you. Thank you Daddy.

The Proverbs 31 Enigma: She is me!

2010-06-11T00:00:00.158Z

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

Love her, hate her, don't understand her, can't be bothered about her? The Proverbs 31 woman has got to be one of the most talked about and yet still misunderstood characters in the Bible. Men want to marry her, women wonder if they can ever be her. Often regarded as the 'Superwoman' of the Bible, the question is as women, can we ever meet up and match her skills, talents and achievements. I must confess I'd never really seen myself having much in common with her, the opening summary about her starts with the word 'wife' which I'm not. It talks about her artistry with the needle, I prick holes in my fingers. A version of the Bible talks about her gardening skills, I'm a professional weed tender! Lol! So how do I even think of keeping up? I would just gloss over the verses nodding but never really seeing Believer on those pages.

Step in Holy Spirit, the Illuminator of the Word. He asked me why I always focused on what she did as opposed to who she was. The caption above says 'The Wife of Noble Character,' not the 'The Wife of Noble Doings' or 'The Wife of Great Acts' because at the end of the day our character is who we are which then influences what we do. So many times we get it twisted, we want to 'do' differently instead of working on the inside at 'being' different. He also reminded me that God calls those things that be not as though they were, when He created me, He put the anointing of a wife inside of me as well and even though I haven't manifested that area of my life yet, it didn't preclude me from being one anyway! The Holy Spirit is so charming, isn't He? Also, note that no name was ascribed to this woman, so you can conveniently put your name there, the Proverbs 31 woman is me!

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.

Proverbs 13: 10-15

Strive to be the best where you are with what you have

If I had to caption the essence of what being a Proverbs 31 woman was, this would be it. It's quite interesting to note that no reference was made to her personal wardrobe, or to her shoe collection, or to her 'always on point' accesories. I know she wasn't a shabby woman, she clothed her household in scarlet but there was much more to her than just being a pretty face or looking good. Woman of God, you are worth far more than rubies. Always remember that no matter what life throws your way. Her husband had full confidence in her, like me you may still be single but do the people in your life have full confidence in you? Do you add value to their lives? Do you bring them good and not harm? That my dears, is the character of a Proverbs 31 woman. Our character is our essence, its our atmosphere, like a signature perfume that lingers on your loved ones long after you've left the room, this is what we should be working on. She is not an idle woman. It's not enough to be, after that we must go out and do something. Also, she really isn't Superwoman, for she had servant girls! She is wise enough to know to enlist help because she can't be everywhere, doing everything at every time. She is a manager, she is a leader. The Proverbs 31 woman is me.

She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

v 16-19

Show me the money!

Financial independence, yay! Women, we need to wake up and smell the coffee. I personally believe every believer should have a stream of income aside from your JOB and yes this includes women. We must learn to mind our own 'business'. She even tells us how to do it, first she bought a field (asset), out of her profits, she makes her asset even more profitable by planting a vineyard. Vineyard produces wine and she still owned the landed property. I'm not sure every woman should go into real estate but we must acquire assets. There are a number to pick from, just pick something! Proverbs 31 women aim to increase the size of their asset column and shrink the size of their liabilities! How much of your money is really working for you. Or is it paycheck to Macy's, paycheck to Selfridges and paycheck to The Palms? Women of God, we need to wake up. Sort out your finances. Don't plunge your husband or yourself into unnecessary debt, we bring good and not harm to the people connected to us. Show me the money! Start small, she started with a field and then made it a vineyard. Trade and God will strengthen your arms to ensure that it is profitable. He is your God and He will teach you how to make wealth. The Proverbs 31 woman is me.

She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

v.20-22

Making a contribution

"Life is more than the acquisition of stuff, its about what we have done, whom we have served and why we will be remembered when we leave" (ZoeB). Its quite obvious that this woman was adept with the needle, but maybe you're not. Maybe you have been equipped with the voice of encouragement, have been anointed to intercede, maybe you can cook egusi in a way that makes one forget their sorrows or you're good with children. She could sew, yes but what can you do? How can we open our arms to the hurting in our world. How can I share the gifts I have been endowed with. Everyone has something, life is about recognising what that something is and making the best of it. The Proverbs 31 woman is me.

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate

v. 25-31

Wadrobe check

Reminds me of the verse, don't let your beauty be merely from outward adornment. Its about what's within. This we cannot do without wisdom. Wisdom we cannot have without the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord we cannot have without a relationshop with Him. Its not about being up from dusk to dawn, rushing from one activity to the other. It's not about being Alpha Mum or a Yummy Mummy, its about being the best you, where you are and with what you have. The grace of God is sufficient to strengthen you for the tasks that He himself has called you to be. Single, married, parent, employee, employer, woman or man, its all the same to Him. He uses those who are available and willing to be used by Him. You don't live to seek the praise of men, your works will bring you praise. So keep stepping. The Proverbs 31 woman is you.

iPray Friday: Becoming a Woman of Noble Character

Dear Lord, I ask for your grace and strength to be that woman you created me to be. Not what Vogue thinks I should be, not what my parents think I should be, not even what my pastor thinks I should be. You created me and you designed me for a specific purpose. Help me on this journey on discovering 'who I be' that I may know 'what I do' in Jesus name. Amen.

Songs that inspire: Covenant Keeping God

2010-06-09T00:00:00.001Z

Do you live like your God is a Covenant Keeping God? Do you believe in His Promises, If yes, do you believe He is capable of bringing them to pass? Do you believe that it is impossible for God to lie? That He keeps His part of the bargain. Nothing is too hard for him. Be blessed. Thank you Pastor Badu!

iPray Friday: Except by prayer and fasting

2010-06-04T00:00:00.001Z

After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer (and fasting) "

Mark 9:29 (NIV)

WHEN you fast...

Matthew 6:16a

Thank you Heavenly Father for a new day and a new opportunity to share from your Word. You speak, I type. I bless and magnify your name in the mighty name of Jesus.

I love being a believer! If I'm being honest, sometimes more than others but as a whole I wouldn't exchange being one for anything else. This is because I am in a dynamic relationship with my Father and my King. This year I am making a concious decision to draw even closer to God, to know His ways, to seek His paths and after making a specific prayer request, I felt the Lord tell me 'except by prayer and fasting'. It's funny, we pray and ask God for Daniel's wisdom and understanding, Esther's courage, Elijah's fervency in prayer plus the ability to be used as a conduit for miracles, to be able to understand the deep mysteries of the Holy Scriptures like Paul and yet we rarely take the time to study their lives, making observations of the decisions they made, their response to the trials they faced and then 'go and do likewise'.

For the believer, fasting is not an option! In fact, for the 21st century believer, fasting is an essential. We are at war, both within and without. The natural man is daily warring against the spirit, the world is warring against believers and sadly enough believers against believers (Father, forgive me for I know this ought not to be so!). We are in dire need of the anointing which empowers us to go forth and fulfil the Comission given to us by the Father, my dears we need to go back to the principal things.

Why should we fast? We should fast because Jesus said so, because truly there are some things can only be dislodged when you wield the double edged sword of fasting and prayer together. Fasting lets both Heaven and Hell know that you mean business. That it's no longer business as usual, no more Sunday, Sunday tonic. There's something that you feel right in the recesses of your spirit and you're not budging until it comes to manifestation. Jesus said 'when you fast' not 'if you choose to fast' or 'if it's convenient for you to fast' or 'if per chance you may want to fast' but 'when you fast'.

Why should we fast? We should fast because all the Biblical characters we love and admire did so too. Moses fasted for 40 days and when he returned, people could not even bear to look at his face for the glory that emanated from him. Even Jesus fasted for 40 days before he opened any blind eye or healed any lame person. Perchance, it was during Esther's 3 day fast that she received the revelation about how to deal with Haman! There are too many examples to give but I pray over the course of sharing on The 10 day challenge we may be able to share more.

Fasting is not about manipulating God, its not about making you seem 'superspiritual', in short Jesus said when you fast, put some MAC on (guys, I just spoke in tongues there!!). Fasting is about dulling your natural senses and sharpening your spiritual ones. Fasting is more than giving up of food, its about 'replacement therapy', replacing a desire for earthly and human wants and needs with the Father's. In the words of Jentzen Franklin, it's the private discipline that brings about public reward.

I'm getting excited, are you??

To be continued, watch this space!!

"Fasting with a pure heart and motives, I have discovered, brings personal revival and adds power to our prayers. Personal revival occurs because fasting is an act of humility. Fasting gives opportunity for deeper humility as we recognize our sins, repent, receive God's forgiveness, and experience His cleansing of our soul and spirit. Fasting also demonstrates our love for God and our full confidence in His faithfulness."--

Bill Bright

Songs that inspire: Ko le baje!

2010-06-02T11:16:00.001Z

Ko le baje rara! Halleluyah. Ko le baje simply means 'won't be spoilt 'and what the song is saying is that the work God is going to do in your life can never be spoilt. All things are working together for your good because you love God and are called according to His purpose. Thank you Lara George!

The 10 Day Challenge: Ten times better!

2010-05-31T08:58:00.002Z

Father, I thank you for your word because through it, we learn how we may experience ZOE, the abundant life. I love reading about Joseph and Daniel, reason being that they 'ministered' without necessarily having a 'ministry'. So many times, some of us think that we can only minister from a church building or even so that ministry ends when we're through with our 'reasonable service' with fellow believers. These two great men encourage me in knowing that my lifestyle is the biggest sermon I can preach and that I can minister from anywhere. Joseph didn't go to church for over a decade yet he ministered as a slave and in jail. Daniel wasn't a priest and he ministered in palaces and even from a lions den! Halleluyah! God can use you where you are today, you don't have to be international or incorporated, just willing.

But Daniel RESOLVED not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself in this way

Daniel 1:8

I love Daniel because he's another shining example of being useful in the place of affliction. Daniel and friends had been taken into exile in Babylon, separated from family, tasked with learning a new language, tasked with learning new literature, this they acquiesced to but what they absolutely refused was to learn new customs and traditions that were CONTRARY to the will of God! Reminds me of Jesus words about "being in and not of this world." Yes, we are in the world, but we have all been given an assignment to go out and preach the gospel. You can't preach to the unsaved in tongues, we must speak a language they understand but we must not adopt their customs. I really needed this because I know I really have to resist the urge to 'blend' into my surroundings. Adapting to your environment does not entail adopting their way of life. Selah!

As I began to seek the face of God for answers and direction, concerning some challenges I'd been facing I was always led back to Daniel Chapter 1. I would read it and mentally assent however my main prayer focus was on v. 17,

'To these four young men, God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds'

But before 17, comes 11, 12, 13...I'm sure you get my drift and it is in those passages that Daniel and co. issue a 10 day challenge (Thanks Pastor Jamal Bryant!) . See v.12

Please test your servants for TEN DAYS: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink..Then compare....So he agreed and tested them for 10 days

I'd conveniently gloss over this Scripture but I believed the Spirit was leading me to do this. To give up my natural 'kings delicacies' for 10 days and replace it with His 'Kingdom delicacies' for 10 days. Hmm, would I say it was and still is hard because I'm still going through it. No, I'm not only eating vegetables and water but I have chosen to give up some things to focus on deepening my relationship with the Master. Is it easy? No! Do I have all the answers? Not yet! Have I fallen? Yes! Has it been rewarding? Triple yes. I thank God for my accountability partner (God bless you darling) because she has done a great job, keeping me on track spiritually and physically.

I want to issue this same challenge to you. Where are you now? Where do you want to be? What are you willing to give up to get there? In your relationship with God, what can you offer up as a sacrifice saying 'God, you know I would like to have this but I give it up to instead focus on my relationship with you?' Because truth is, it's not so much the giving up but the replacement (Holy Spirit I really need help with this). Its not so much not eating the kings meat but having vegetables and water instead. Its not so much turning off your favourite show but spending that extra hour in the Word, meditation and prayer.

The devil will come, he'll tell you that you don't need to do this, that you can't do this, if you fall he'll sing rubbish in your ears. If you expect him, you can prepare for him. Tell him this..

And at the end of the TEN DAYS, they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food....the king talked with them and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah: so they entered the kings service....... he found them TEN TIMES BETTER

v.18-20

Talk to God more, depend on Him always, get someone to keep you accountable. I know this post is for someone else apart from me and that's why I wrote it. God has so many plans He wants to fulfill on earth but He needs willing vessels to do it. You don't need a title to be used by God. Are you ready for ten times better? The challenge has been issued, are you up for it?

Remain blessed and highly favoured

ZoeB

Songs that inspire: Pure Praise

2010-05-26T00:00:00.003Z

Hi people, please keep praising your God. God is a good God, yes bad things happen but it doesn't change the fact that He is God. I am really enjoying my Nigerian artistes these days. I think there are subtitles to this song, sorry for the quality. Just trust that this is pure praise! God bless you Pastor Chinyere Udoma.

Remain blessed and highly favoured

ZoeB