Why are you crying? What are you looking for?

"Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" John 20:15

It is the amazing, remarkable ability of a woman to hang on for change. The Syro-Phoneican woman chased after Jesus until her daughter was loosed, she didn't mind the bread was not hers, she would take the crumbs. The woman with the issue of blood pressed on to touch the hem of his garment. Anna stayed in the temple until she saw Jesus. Whoever you are, don't give up, change is coming.

According to John's account in Chapter 20, Mary is first to arrive at the tomb, saw the stone removed and went to tell Peter and John,who came, saw and went home! The Bible tells us that Mary remained at the tomb weeping. Why? I wonder why Mary stood there. Peter and John were part of the 3, the chosen ones closest to Jesus, they were with him in Gethsemane, they were with Him on the mount of transfiguration and yet they went home, maybe their logical minds wanted to ponder on the facts that had been set before them but not Mary, she looked with her heart, He is not here and yet I must see Him, I can't let go of Him yet, I must wait.

I see her in my mind's eye, tears streaming down her face, I imagine what her thoughts are, could it be the very first time she met Jesus, could it be how Jesus had filled every void in her life that she had spent most of her years looking for. And then a man shows up and asks her two important questions!

First, why are you crying? We need to be able to define in words what our needs are, like an onion, we must peel the surface layers of our signs and symptoms and get to the real cracks that lie beneath. What is the hurt? What is the pain you carry? Why am I addicted to things and people that numb the pain, I must look beyond the tears to know the source. In more recent times, I have cried for unfulfilled dreams and desires, unmet needs and expectations and yet Mary was crying because she couldn't find her Lord. Lord, teach me to realise that all I need is you because you own the Master key that keeps every other thing that concerns me in order. Mary didn't realise that although it looked like the love of her life was gone, He wasn't, where she had to go to Him to be with Him, now He was with Her and in Her, she wasn't going to see him physically but He would always be with her. Halleluyah!

Secondly, who is it you are looking for? I'm reminded of a song by U2, 'and I still haven't found what I'm looking for'. Are we looking for a what or a who? Am I looking for a job or a Provider, am I looking for a partner or someone to love me, am I looking for security or freedom, what am I looking for. Nothing on the above list is bad but sometimes it pays to clarify what exactly we are looking for, for how else shall we recognise it when we see it. We should all be looking for Jesus.

Sometimes we look for religion, religion says the tomb is empty, relationship asks "but where is Jesus" and I'm going to wait until I see Him. Easter begins with an empty tomb but more importantly what we celebrate is a Resurrected Christ. So, why are you crying and who is it you are looking for?

Selah!

Compliments of the season to you all. Jesus is enough reason to celebrate! Remember to be a blessing at this time. Thank you so much for taking time to read my musings and for your encouraging comments. I trust that the New Year comes with even greater things in store than we can think or imagine. God bless you.

Xxxxxx

Believer

Giants die!!

No matter how big the giants we are facing are, this is a reminder that giants indeed do die. Goliath's boast is for a while eventually we shall have the victory! It doesn't matter if your weapons don't seem like they can do the trick. Speak the word of God and throw that stone when God say so!



Giants do die,
the bigger they are, the harder they fall.
Giants, they die,
just walk around the Jericho wall.

Now we come in Your name
and we stand on Your word,
what is loosed in the heavens,
will be loosed on earth.

Now we come in Your name
and we stand on Your word,
what is loosed in the heavens,
will be loosed on earth;
let God arise, giant, die.


Your praise will bring down strong holds.
When you pray, you will see miracles.
Just pray when things seem impossible
and the King of Glory will show His glory;
let God arise, giant, die.

When you praise,
When you praise,
When you praise,
they gotta come down.

When you worship,
When you worship,
When you worship,
they gotta come down.

When you shout,
just shout.
When you shout,
they gotta come down.

They gotta come down.
Let God arise, giant die.

Thank you Pastor Lawrence.

The Wilderness Chronicles: Day 9

Thanksgiving from the wilderness

My God you are very great. I praise and magnify you, my heart and soul praise you. My spirit and flesh praise you because you are not only a Mighty God but you are a good God. I thank you because you are a God of your Word, you spoke the word and it worked, works and continues to work wonders in my life. I praise you because you have made me fearfully and wonderfully, from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet I can say it's all good.

I didn't come into this place a happy camper, even yesterday I burst into tears when you gave me a new command but Lord I still thank you that as silly as I can be sometimes you still love me, I can't fall away from your love, I can't earn it by what I do but you love me. Thank you for that reassurance that there is a love that is available for me ALL the time in spite of me.

Anyone can praise you when you part the Red Sea, when you slay the giant, when you give the victory but Lord I thank you that I can still praise you in the wilderness, where sometimes I don't even know my right from my left, when I don't know if I'm going forward or backward where you ask me to stand still, I can say you are God and you are good not because I'm strong but because even in my weakness you are my strength. In the wilderness you have been my strength, in the wilderness you have been my song, I have learnt what it means to be held in the arms of Jesus an embrace that no human's even comes close to.

I thank you for the lessons in the wilderness, where every grain of sand contains a message, where the arid conditions reminds me of my thirst for you, the heat of the day reminds me you are my cooling cloud, the lonely cold nights remind me that you are a pillar of fire, Lord I thank you that every single thing the enemy meant for evil in my life you turned it around for my good. Thank you Lord for the wilderness because it shows I am loved, called and chosen.

Thank you Lord, thank you. I used to sing that ten thousand tongues were not enough to praise you but I have one tongue and I use it to scream a big halleluyah to your name. Thank you Lord. Thank you Father. I give you praise not only for what you've done or are doing but because a beautiful future and hope still lies ahead. Thank you. I love you.

The Wilderness Chronicles; Day 8

Loved, Called, Chosen

For God so LOVED THE WORLD that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16, NIV)

For MANY are CALLED, but FEW are CHOSEN(Matthew 22:14, NLT)

Some ask, why the wilderness? Others ask, why me? Why must I be different? Why must the way that I take go via the Dolorosa, why must I be separated and go through all I have or all I am going through?, why am I going through it alone? Why can't I explain to my nearest and dearest, why must I place my achievements and trophies before the old rugged cross? Why the wilderness?

I believe one of the answers is because you are loved, because you responded to the call and because you made a choice! I'm a very good example of someone who asks Why me? if I got a pound for everytime I asked God or my mum that question, I would be a millionaire by now! God loves everyone, we do not have to be saved for him to love us, the Father loved both the prodigal son and the 'righteous' one, He loved him when he was at home, he loved him when he rebelled, he loved him till he came home. God loves the world. He hates the sin but loves the sinner because we were made in the image of God.

However, the world does not love Him back and although He calls out an invitation to all, some acknowledge the call and become His children, for AS MANY as received Him and believed Him He gave power to become His children (John 1:12). Some interpret the second verse quoted above to mean that God has chosen those who can be His children so not everyone can be saved. I choose to differ, if we consider Matthew 22 from the beginning, we see that the King extends his invitation to all but some heed the call and some don't. If you're reading this today, please heed the call Jesus is making, this is not a call to a church or ministry but to a family, God's family. We are called because we accept the call but for most the story ends there. We are content to join the 'Christian club' we do our Christian bit and God does His bit. But, amongst the called, there are some who make the choice to live out His purpose for their life.

For indeed God has given each and every one an assignment for the furthering of His kingdom, the harvest is plenty but the labourers are few. God sees our hearts, He knows that Peter can lead the 11 while Judas is in it for the money. Why was it Peter that denied Christ, why not the others? Even the devil knew that Peter had made a choice to follow Jesus and that he was not satisfied with business as usual. he knew that when the Holy Ghost fell on Peter, the establishment of the church was a done deal because Peter was one of those who went all the way! In these last days, God is on the look out for serious believers, not unbelievers, not church attendees but those who want more than a form of godliness and those who acknowledge the power of God. The Word confirms that the 3 groups do not contain the same number of people, the world is larger than the many that are called, the many that are called are more than the few who are chosen so do not worry if you seem like a freak or if no one is going the direction you are going, not many take the path of the chosen.

The hearts and desires of the chosen makes them candidates for the wilderness, they have been chosen for the great army the Lord is assembling to wage war against the enemy. That's why the last time I went on my Why me single, God asked me, why not you? Why not you Believer? Why not you, who do you want me to send? I'm rejoicing in the wilderness because I believe there is a generation and a chosen lot that is rising that will speak the word and hear the Word speak back. I believe that there are chosen ones who will speak and cancer will have to disappear, ALL diseases will be healed and even the dead will be raised to life. Before Jesus performed a single miracle, He spent 40 days in the wilderness, led there by the Holy Spirit. So my dear, rephrase your question, why not you? You are loved, you have heeded the call and have made a choice, don't fall back, don't quit. God will use you where you are but the wilderness will prepare you for the next level. So don't stop, keep moving! Amen.

The Wilderness Chronicles: Day 7

His Side of the story

Sometimes I forget that prayer is a conversation that involves me and Him. I talk for ages and then I walk away, some days He has to interrupt me in the middle of my musings so that He can give His own side of the story. A big lesson in the wilderness for me is that He speaks, oh He speaks, all the time. Sometimes, there is silence but He speaks. I pray He continues to speak for His words are power and they are life

Pray tell my child, when did I cease to be
a REFUGE
a FORTRESS
a WAYMAKER
a COUNSELLOR
a COMFORTER
a MIGHTY GOD
a PROVIDER
a HEALER
a SOURCE OF STRENGTH
a PILLAR
a ROCK
a GOD
a HUSBAND
a FATHER
a LOVER
a FRIEND

and all the other names you read in the Book? Could it be that you have been praising me as A instead of MY? As A mighty God instead of MY mighty God, as A healer instead of MY healer..so

Pray tell my child when did I cease to be
your REFUGE
your FORTRESS
your WAYMAKER
your COUNSELLOR
your COMFORTER
your MIGHTY GOD
your PROVIDER
your HEALER
your SOURCE OF STRENGTH
your PILLAR
your ROCK
your GOD
your HUSBAND
your FATHER
your LOVER
your FRIEND

and if I am as you sing all these and more....then why are you so AFRAID? Selah


I'm still thinking about it

There is a king in me..

Thank you Donald Lawrence




Lyrics

You come from Royalty,
An aristocratic dynasty.
The goal of the enemy
Is that you don’t know who you are.
There’s power when you speak.
Be mindful of words you release.
I know that life has challenged you,
But the King in me speaks to the King in you.
You were born to rule.
There is a king in you. (Repeat)


Is there no King in you,
Then why do you speak, speak with such defeat.
Is there no King in you,
Then why do you speak, speak with such low esteem.
I know life has challenged you,
But the King in me speaks to the king in you.
You were born to rule.
There is a King in you

Donald Lawrence..There is a king in you (The Law of Confession Part 1)

The Wilderness Chronicles; Day 6

Holding on while letting go

"Look," said Naomi, "your sister-in-law is GOING BACK to her people and her gods. GO BACK with her." But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I WILL GO, and where you stay I WILL STAY. Your people will be MY PEOPLE and your God MY GOD. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if ANYTHING BUT DEATH SEPARATES YOU AND ME ". Ruth 1:15-17

I re-read the book of Ruth recently and when I got to the passage above, I paused for a moment. Why did Ruth choose to go with Naomi? Ruth was a Moabitess living in Moab, she grew up in Moab, went to school in Moab, got married in Moab, lost her husband in Moab, her parents lived in Moab, her friends were in Moab, her occupation was in Moab, her life was in Moab. She knew Moab, it may not have been great but she knew it like the palm of her hand. Why go on a journey with Naomi, Naomi had no source of income, she was a widow, she didn't even have a plan of what she would do when she got back to Bethlehem, yet Ruth chose to go with Naomi. I believe there was something she learnt about the relationship Naomi had with God and that somehow her destiny was tied to Naomi. On the surface, her decision may have looked stupid, crazy or senseless yet she chose to put her trust in God and not circumstances.

How many times do we sense God leading us in a direction that makes no sense, God telling us to do things that may make our friends think maybe we should get committed to a mental care unit? I don't know if God told Ruth she would get married again if she went with Naomi although I doubt it, what I know is that she committed to follow Naomi into an uncertain future, the only certainty being that God was with her. I'm not sure I've got to that level of trust in God but that's why we're in the wilderness isn't it? The fact that the wilderness is a place we go through on our own doesn't mean the rest of the world stops existing. You can be in the wilderness and have to be a wife and mother, you can be crying to God at night and have to wake up in the morning and minister to the saints, it doesn't matter where the wilderness meets you, be rest assured that the Lord is with you and if He has called you to it, He will call you through it.

Ruth embraced the changing seasons of her life, in the wilderness she learnt that there is a love that goes deeper than anything a mortal man or woman can give. That even though her husband was dead, Jehovah Jireh was alive. Ruth made a decision like Abraham to move away from the familiar and hold God's hands as she stepped beyond her comfort zone. The word says that Ruth went out into the fields to glean. In the wilderness, we have to 'go out' of ourselves, mentally, emotionally because if we don't go out, we will never 'go in' to Boaz's field. Because she was willing to make a move, God moved on her behalf. I am learning that even though God's word is true, I must co-operate with Him for destiny to be fulfilled. Don't cut yourself off from life and living while in the wilderness, don't get lost there, hold on to God.

Saying Yes Lord means saying No to the devil. We can't have both. I'm either on the Lord's side or on the enemy's side. You cannot be in both Moab and Bethlehem, I ask myself if I can humble myself to pick up leftovers just so that I can be in God's will? Can I? Can you? One thing I know, there is a day of humility but there is also a day of exaltation. He has promised to exalt us in our due season. Ruth's name is found in the genealogy of Jesus. A widowed immigrant with no job, no matter what you look like today, God can change your story. It can be suddenly, it may take a while but change is coming.

The Book of Ruth is a short story, so many things left unsaid but I've learnt a new theme, a new principle for adapting to life in the wilderness. Letting go of all that the Lord wants me to let go off, holding on to God and His promises. It will be hard but Lord hold me even when I want to let go. Isn't it funny that in the day of the storm, it is God we usually want to let go off and hold on to the 'things' we think will see us through. Lord, help me not to get it mixed up.

Tears fall from my eyes
As I pick the leftovers
My back hurts
As I pick the leftovers
Friends laugh
As I pick the leftovers
Enemies mock
As I pick the leftovers
Family misunderstands
As I pick the leftovers
Feel like giving up
As I pick the leftovers
Asking God why
As I pick the leftovers
When God when
As I pick the leftovers
Learning
As I pick the leftovers
Trusting
As I pick the leftovers
God sees me
As I pick the leftovers
God loves me
As I pick the leftovers
My change is coming
As I pick the leftovers
I'll still praise God
As I pick the leftovers
Praise God for leftovers
As I pick the leftovers
The God of the leftovers
is the same God of the harvest!

Faithful to believe!

This song has been in my head all week. Lord I believe, help me in my unbelief! Amen.

Byron Cage: Faithful to Believe

The Wilderness Chronicles: Day 5

Abraham: He didn't see Hebrews

The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your COUNTRY, your PEOPLE and your FATHER's household and GO to the land I will show you....So Abram left, as the LORD had told him Genesis 12: 1,4a (NIV)

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, OBEYED AND WENT, even though he DID NOT KNOW where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise Hebrews 11:8-9 (NIV)

....look to Abraham, your father and to Sarah, who gave you birth. When I called him he was but ONE and I blessed him and made him MANY. Isaiah 51:2 (NIV)

A wilderness experience is not unique to me, neither is it to you. In studying my Bible, I am learning that it is a series of wilderness chronicles, the stories and testimonies of men and women who walked with God and for almost all of them there were seasons when they had to stand alone with God. Life is full of sounds but it doesn't matter how much we hear if we never hear the right things. Today, I want to focus on Abraham, a man described as a friend of God, a man who debated with God and could cause God to change his mind on something he set out to do, a man who God discussed with intimately. Yes, Abraham had a great relationship with God but he had his wilderness season where he had to learn to lean on God and walk in His ways and no it wasn't easy.

The first record of God speaking to Abraham in Scripture is God asking Him to relocate. I'm sure most of us have moved homes at least once in our lives and we can attest to how stressful it can be. Sometimes, for the next phase in our lives, it is necessary that we move, it could be to another country, another city or just a different street, sometimes we have to downsize or 'upsize' but the essence of what we are doing is saying goodbye to the life we have right now a.k.a our comfort zone and going on to pastures anew. The difference between us and Abraham however is that God never gave him a destination postcode (that is Zipcode if you're in the US!)just said leave and go. Leave what you know and go to what you don't know? Honestly, the wilderness is a place that shows us for who we are, we may say we trust God, that He knows what is best for us but when He asks us to leave what we know, our present occupation, our present level in him, some relationships, some habits and go to a new place in Him, a place where He says is good but we haven't been to or heard of before, can we like Abraham leave just as the Lord has told us to. Hmm (Selah). It must have been hard, there were some people Abraham left behind that he never saw again but he had heard God and that was good enough for Him. I feel like I am in a season where I have been cut off from some relationships that I felt were my core, it has been so painful but I sense the hand of God stretching me in a way I have never been stretched before. I prayed and I cried, I tried to bribe and people please but the word that came to me was that 'there is a season to embrace and a season to refrain from embracing, it is time to separate from Lot'.

It is important to know God's voice for if we don't how can we heed? In the wilderness, we learn to trust God for it is not a terrain that we are used to for only the Creator can describe the creation. Sometimes we get it wrong, we want to do something and we say the Lord said but if the Lord has said, I encourage you to trust and obey. It may not make sense, I know of people who have left good jobs to go and work in some remote village teaching children Maths and English. I recently watched a documentary of a couple who left their good jobs to work in Haiti for a few years with abandoned children and ended up adopting 6 Haitian children! It may seem difficult to explain to others but trust that God knows what is best. Is it easy? No. Will we make mistakes? Almost definitely yes. Will God be with us? Every step of the way, even when it seems He is silent.

On this journey, Abraham lied (twice) about his relationship with his wife, experienced a painful separation from his cousin, fought a battle to rescue same cousin, isn't it painful when God asks you to meet the needs of someone who has stabbed you in the back!!, waited years for a child, put same child on the altar, mourned the loss of his dearly beloved wife. Yet, through the ups and downs of the journey, he never knew that one day his name would make the hall of faith, he didn't see Hebrews. He was simply walking with God, one step at a time, one day at a time. I'm sure he must have been disappointed, he's a man I love because he was quite candid with God but in the end he was victorious because he walked in faith. Hallelujah! Isaiah encourages us all through Abraham, that there are seasons where we feel alone, not so much because we are in the Sahara but because we are in a place where we can't take others too, it is our wilderness experience, that even from what seems so small, from one, when we add the blessings of God, we shall experience breakthrough. Amen, I receive that in Jesus name.

I pray that this becomes my testimony, familiar is good and comforting but may become a bondage. I don't see all my future holds but I see God in it and when He calls my prayer is to follow.

Leave
what you know
and I know
Go
where you don't know
and I know
Trust
that I know
what you don't know
Believe
that I can
when you can't
See
through my eyes
Hold
tight to me
Stretch
beyond your comfort zone
Cry
if you must but
Move
for there are greater things in store
I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS

The Wilderness Chronicles: Day 4

Lessons in the wilderness; Zaphenath-Paneah's testimony

I'll start my testimony by saying that with God the end of the story is better and sweeter than the beginning. When I look back on my life, I can say with 100% conviction that through it all the Lord was with me. He was with me. I may have had lonely days but I was never alone. Anyway, let me not get ahead of myself, please relax as I share this wonderful exposition of the Lord's goodness and faithfulness.

I grew up in your typical dysfunctional polygamous family. My father, bless him, had 4 wives, 2 sisters and their maids! Although that in itself was a recipe for disaster, it was obvious to all that my father loved my mother most, yes indeed they had strong love, a love that endured a lot of trials and tribulations. I was my dad's favourite for you see although I wasn't the first born, I was the first fruit of my mum after agonising years of barrenness. This didn't go too well the rest of the family especially after my father made me a coat, hmm, that coat was the BOMB if I can say so myself, it was a one of a kind, made to order, picture Savile Row in your minds! I'll be honest and admit that as a lad I had quite a big gob (mouth), I just didn't know when to speak and when to keep quiet, I tattled on my brothers to my dad and as you can imagine the rift between me and them gradually grew deeper.

What sealed the deal for me was the dreams. Yes, I believe in dreams for my destiny was tied to dreams. God blessed me with a unique ability to interpret dreams precisely and accurately. I'll pause here to say that God has given each and every one of us something unique that we can use for Him and these gifts are refined and honed in the wilderness. The gist of the dream was that one day in the future my brothers and even my parents would bow before me meaning that although my brothers were much older, I would rule over them. My father wasn't happy about the way I presented my dream but deep down I know he believed in it. Maybe this was because he understood that God does not respect your position of birth, He respects your faith and His will in your life as an individual.

I knew my brothers were angry and jealous but nothing prepared me for the events that were to change my life forever. One morning, I was going on an errand for my dad and by evening I was a slave en route to Egypt. Tears still come to my eyes when I recall all that happened on that fateful day. I remember getting to Dothan feeling a tad bit upset that my brothers had changed the location of father's flocks without letting anyone know and making me travel so far from home. I remember Simeon ripping off my coat before I was thrown in the well. In taking the coat, my brothers thought they were stripping me of my dignity, my identity as my father's son, my relationship with my family and my destiny. What they didn't know was that they were God's instruments, painful as it was for ridding me of my physical and emotional crutches that I had built my life on. I lost my coat, I lost my family but I still had my God and the destiny that He had prepared me for. Be encouraged, brothers and sisters when you experience loss in any form, with God it's never for less, always for more. In preparation for the wilderness, God will separate you from a number of things and even people and bring you to a place of being alone with God.

I wept as we made our way to Egypt, I wept for the life I left behind in Canaan and I wept for the unknown I was to face. From being a beloved Son in whom my Father was well pleased, I was made a slave. Yes, a slave but I had to look beyond the humiliation to find my identity in God. I may have lost my earthly Father but my heavenly father was very much around. He was with me, guiding me, giving me the strength to wake up day after day to face the challenges life threw my way. God is good, it didn't take long for my master to promote me and put me in charge of his investments. Another word of advice, no matter what level you find yourself be diligent. Do your work well, be on time, put in 100% and do everything as unto God and not man.

Although things were going well in my master's house, I still felt there was more to me than this and I will admit that it was difficult to believe on some days that the dream God showed me was a figment of my imagination because I couldn't see how I was going to get there. Also, the advances from my master's wife were becoming a bit disturbing, I used to be really naive but there was no mistaking the meaning of the look in her eyes when she called me to her room for one silly reason or the other. Well, one thing led to the other, my master's wife set me up and I found myself in jail after being found 'guilty' for attempted rape. I don't think master believed I was guilty for he could easily have had me killed but well the steps of a good man are ordained by the Lord, it's just that sometimes those steps lead to hell and back!

My dear friends, in your prayer closets please remember those in prison. Some innocent people have had their lives destroyed in those institutions. I was broken in jail, I ranted and raved at God. I must have asked 'Why me' countless times, most times the trials we face have nothing to do with sin or making poor choices, they are just God's training school, our wilderness experiences enable us assess ourselves accurately and we learn to love God with our all. If you can praise God in the pit, as a slave and in prison, you know that you have become seasoned, that your love for God is not linked to the things God has given but you love God simply for being God. God came through for me, He showed me that He was with me. He gave me favour and I was soon running things, gaining valuable leadership, negotiation and relational skills. I still continued to have my dreams but I gave them up to God for the fulfilment in its time.

In jail, I met some of the kings servants and God gave me the grace to interpret their dreams. One of them promised to put out a good word for me when he was released. Years passed and no word but like I said I had resigned myself to God, he had been my father, confidant, friend, support and guide for 13 years and had made me into the man I was. Even though you are in the wilderness, don't allow the wilderness get into you, don't allow bitterness take root. Hold on to God tightly. God be praised, I give Him glory for one day I had the opportunity to interpret the king's dream not knowing in doing so my dreams were being fulfilled. It's amazing how life can change so quickly, in the morning I was a prisoner, by evening Prime Minister. I'm a crying lad, I know but words cannot describe how I felt. My former master and his wife had to bow before me, followed a few years later by my brothers. God showed me the big picture that all that happened was a set up for my lift up. For truly that is what the wilderness is, a set up for the next stage. It's a training ground for your next level of work in God. All that I do in my new job, I learnt in all my previous jobs. I aint no daddy's boy, I'm God's boy.

So do not despair my children, God has a plan for your life and it is good. Atimes in your life, it may not seem good, it may seem harsh and painful but put your trust in God. When the arm of flesh fails, remind yourself that God is with you, always. You can bet your last dollar on it. So that's my testimony, I'm sure you know who I am although I am now called Zaphenath-Paneah, I used to be called Joeseph.

All the best and God bless.

The Wilderness Chronicles: Day 3

Understanding the Wilderness

They tried to make me go to rehab but I said No, No, No (Amy Winehouse, Rehab, Back to Black)

The lyrics of that song reminds me that although something may be good for me, I don't always accept it willingly. The wilderness is an uninhabited place. It is neither comfortable nor luxurious but where you get alone with God to face your deepest fears, a rehab centre where physical, mental, spiritual and emotional crutches are taken away and God asks you to start walking.

In the wilderness, tears may be shed but then a lot of flabiness is lost as we exercise our faith. The Word of God ceases just to be something we read as something we live out. Apart from exercise, the diet in the wilderness is different, 100% organic, pure everliving Word of God, we feel it's sharpness as it divides between soul and spirit. We are stretched beyond our comfort zones, way beyond. However, the most important fact about the wilderness is that you must go in with God. Although on the surface, the wilderness might seem like a punishment but it isn't, it's a necessary pain for our development. Don't lose sight of God in the wilderness, if not we become like Cain, lost, bitter and disillusioned.

The wilderness is a place where patience is learned, there are no microwaves and no quick fixes, no rush. It's a place where new skills which are necessary for survival are learnt as we see that what we thought we had and knew don't count for much in our new environment. Here, I am learning that my all comes from God, what it means to be 100% reliant on God. My 'idols' will be toppled and God reign as King.

This wilderness has been a place where my longing for things and people become converted to a longing for God. I have chosen to lay Isaac and try to walk away. I say try because I'm not sure i've walked away yet. I have to believe that God's word is true when He says that He has plans for me and the plans are good. In the wilderness I receive instructions for the next phase, the next step, the next level.

The wilderness has it's own set of rules. Your diet is different, the language is different, values shift; the Blackberry you can't live without is of no use here. The wardrobe is different therefore your behaviour is different. In coming days, we will have an opportunity to talk to some of their wilderness experiences to enable us understand better. The wilderness is also for a season, so be encouraged, it's not going to be forever, hang in there and hold on. My prayer, "Father let your work be perfected in me."

So don't be like Ms. Winehouse, don't say no to Him when He calls and the journey continues...

The Wilderness Chronicles; Day 2

Embracing the Season

There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven: Ecc 3:1 (NIV)

He has made everything beautiful in ITS time Ecc 3:11a (NIV)

Life is made up of seasons. A season is simply a period of time with certain unique characteristics, in most cases we cannot pre-empt a season, we can only take advantage of it. The Teacher begins his discourse by reminding us that there is a time for everything, a time to be born and a time to die, a time to be silent and a time to speak. A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time of humbling yourself under the mighty hand of God and a time of exaltation. There is a time to feed the 5,000, to touch all those who are infirm, to preach the Word to the poor, to teach in parables but there is also a time to go to a solitary place to pray, to draw back a little to recharge, to be led by the Spirit into the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights. Hmm.

Seasons change, that is an inevitable and irrevocable truth. The best example comes from the weather and whether your geography exposes you to experiencing 2 or 4, we know that after the rain comes a dry spell, chilly autumn winds come after a hot (or kinda hot..!) summer. To embrace the season is to understand and walk in the knowledge that although seasons change, I serve a God who remains the same. I am safe in the arms of His love. Friends come and go, it hurts doesn't it to know that those who we have shared the intimate details of our lives can so easily betray our trust or are so quick to throw it away due to petty jealousy or inconsequential arguments. Embrace the season of life you are in now, it's the only way to enjoy it. Don't wait for the wilderness season to be over before you rejoice, rejoice anyway. Don't wait for the prayer to be answered before you give God praise, praise Him anyway. Don't wait for capital, trust God and start something anyway.

Embrace the season, don't make permanent decisions based on temporary circumstances. Don't give up, don't fight it, shaking your fists at the dark skies will not prevent the rain from falling, wearing a bikini in winter does not pre-empt a summer's day. Embrace the season, acknowledge the season of life and behave accordingly. He makes everything beautiful in its time, not His time but its time. Sow when you should, so you can reap when you should. Agree with God that you will do what He wants you to do when He wants you to do it. Embrace the season, don't fight it, assess it, grow from it, you learn more about yourself in the storm than when it is calm.

Autumn leaves
Golden mass on the streets
How can this be
But for a few weeks
they were green as can be
Shall I cry
as I stare
at bare branches
No
For I know
this is the way of creation
and though the days are shorter
and the nights colder
as winter approaches
I smile
For spring shall come
with new life
and beautiful hues
as my beloved tree
adorns herself once again
I wrap up a little tighter
and embrace my season

Selah

The Wilderness Chronicles: Day 1

Loving the product, hating the process...

Come away with me my love, you know how many times I have made this call to you but you have ignored me and run away so many times. At the end of your road, with your worn trainers and out of breath, you realise that this is what you need and this is what you need right now! Before the glory comes the trial and temptation, before the trial and temptation comes the wilderness experience. The wilderness is not a tourist attraction, no one books tickets there at the travel agent's, there's no queue at the airport. Yet the wilderness is beyond what it looks like on the surface, it is a place of preparation, a place of refining, a place where it's just me and you. No distractions, I need to wean you off those things and people that gve you your temporary fix without hitting the spot. I need you to need me, I need you to commit to going through this process even though you don't like it. I know you realise you need it and are afraid of what this season is bringing but I need you to trust me. I need you to remember all the words I have spoken to you, all the words you have shared as well and trust that I know what is best. So it's time to get to the next level, are you ready? I'm a demanding lover, I need your all. I need to be your everything.

Dear Daddy,

I know I need to do it but I don't want to. I know I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength but... I see beyond the process to the product to the woman I can be, that I can be free of the limitations holding me back so I say yes and like you asked I commit to the process and to chronicling it. Help me Lord, never to run back, never to look back but to learn how to seek solitude and draw strength from you. To know that this season of being alone with you is a blessing and as I sow in tears, I will reap with rejoicing.

I love you
but I now realise
I must love you
as you desire
Totally
100%
With all my heart
Soul and strength
All not some
Nothing else
Before you
Everything else
After you
I love you
I choose to love you
Help me Lord

The Wilderness Chronicles begin here, it's a journey I'm taking and I have no idea where it's going but by His grace I'll chronicle as I can. God is good, never forget that, irrespective of whatever it is you are going through.

Remain blessed and highly favoured.

A Case of the Ex

He sent an email to the address known only to us both. It read,

'My darling, how do you do today? I am hoping you will check this inbox soon because I just had to share the thoughts in my heart with you. The truth is I miss you and still think about you all the time. I miss our easy conversations and the difficult ones too. I miss the way you used to laugh and ask whether the red or the brown suited better when I knew you really wanted to wear the brown (as usual if I may add!). I remember fondly the unexpected calls in the middle of the day just to say how much you love me and the peace and warmth that filled you when I said "right back at you". We used to find things to talk about all the time, you spoke to me first thing in the morning and I remember your incoherent words as sleep and conversation debated at the end of the day. It didn't matter because I knew your heart was in the right place.

I remember how eagerly you read the words I had penned for you, words that encouraged you and built you up, words that made you understand what you were worth to me, that I loved you so much and was willing to make the Ultimate sacrifice just to be with you. I miss the tears that used to fill your eyes when you were overcome with the knowledge about how much I loved you and the difference I had made since you accepted my request to be in your life. I miss the way you used to ask for my input before you made major decisions in your life and how you used to roll your eyes when we talked sometimes because you knew that I was ALWAYS right even when it didn't seem so and wished secretly I could be wrong even once! It made me laugh so much.

I remember when it started going pear shaped, too many busy signals on your end, you hanging out with your new 'group' who didn't have any value or respect for our relationship and said I made you too 'old fashioned'. I watched sadly as you began to drift away from me and our love to satisfy your thirst for 'knowledge', what were your words again.."this love is too restrictive, I'm young and beautiful, I want to spread my wings and fly". I saw you entertain compromise as fitting in became more important than loving me. I saw you change and dance with the enemy. My words became of no consequence as you chased after your 'toys'. I'm sometimes amazed at how much you don't realize how much I know you, even better than you know yourself. I see you cry yourself to sleep at night as you realize that nothing fills the void like I used to. That what looks and felt so good in the security of the darkness fills you with a shame like you never knew when the light comes up. I've seen you drift from place to place looking for love in all the wrong places and hold myself back from shaking some sense into you! Can I be honest, I get so jealous when I see others selfishly use you for I see the damage they cause. Baby, I can't force you to love me, the choice to love is the greatest gift of all. For forced love is not love at all but we are secure in love because we have been chosen.

I noticed that in recent times you have been going through our 'love box', the one you keep in your room, filled with the mementos of our relationship. I saw you dust the book I wrote the letters in and find cold comfort in some of the words. I saw you wrestle with the 'then' we had and the 'now' you have. I had to restrain myself from jumping in right there and then because I know it is up to you to come back to me. If only you had been really looking you would know that I had been very much around, neither my number or address had changed, I was there on the train, outside the door, I was there all the time just waiting patiently in line for you to notice but I guess you were too busy enjoying your 'freedom'. Don't get me wrong, please do not feel condemned, that was and isn't my intention, the point I just want to make is.....I miss you and beyond that I love you, I always have and I always will, I can't stop and the past makes no difference, if you're willing to come back, I'm here but if you choose to come back, as selfish as this sounds, it has to be on my terms because deep down you know I know best.

Baby, my heart is open and my hands are open, when are you coming back home?

Your Ex (not for long I hope), earnestly expecting a reply

JESUS

....As it has been said, TODAY if your hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.. Hebrews 3:7b-8a

The Lord appeared to us in the past saying: "I have LOVED you with an EVERLASTING love; I have drawn you with LOVING-KINDNESS Jeremiah 31:3

I woke up at about 4 am with this in my heart, it's so strange and I just had to write it there and then. I don't know who this is for but if it's you, don't wait, please hit the REPLY button in your heart and go home, like the Father of the prodigal, you'll see He has been waiting and His heart is open. Gotta get a lil' more sleep now!

Training to be godly.

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly 1st Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! 1st Timothy 4:7 (The Message)

Corpus omne perseverare in statu suo quiescendi vel movendi uniformiter in directum, nisi quatenus a viribus impressis cogitur statum illum mutare*

In recent times, I have found myself in a season of reflection, thinking critically about the way things are and whether they match up with the way things should be. I smile as I look back on positive changes in my life over the past year and meditate on how life is more like a marathon than a sprint; 'I want to be like Jesus and I want it NOW!!' used to be me. Life is a marathon and not a sprint, developing the fruit of the Spirit and a Christ like character is a life-long process, to consistently bear fruit worthy of one's calling, we must be willing to go through the seasons with Christ. It was in this frame of mind that I found myself talking to God about how I would like to improve on the quality and quantity of my quiet time. I was giving my excuses until I sensed the Holy Spirit remind me of the passage above "train yourself to be godly".

'He/she has no home training' is a retort describing individuals who by their actions show (at least in the mind of the speaker) that some of the basic elements of having grown up in a home under the supervision of one or two parents appear to be lacking. Training is not however, limited to the young, when we start a new job we are trained so we know what to do, how to do it even though sometimes we don't know why we are doing it!

Some definitions for the word train are (Dictionary.com)
:to develop or form the habits, thoughts, or behavior of (a child or other person) by discipline and instruction: to train an unruly boy.
:to make proficient by instruction and practice, as in some art, profession, or work: to train soldiers.
:to make (a person) fit by proper exercise, diet, practice, etc., as for an athletic performance.
:to treat or manipulate so as to bring into some desired form, position, direction, etc.: to train one's hair to stay down.
:Horticulture. to bring (a plant, branch, etc.) into a particular shape or position, by bending, pruning, or the like.

I love the first definition, developing new habits by INSTRUCTION and DISCIPLINE. We cannot be trained without acquiring new knowledge, we are instructed in what to do, a trainer lets us know how many push ups or sit ups are required for us to achieve our fitness goals. God has given us Himself and the scripture, His word says that He has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness. From my own personal experience, usually there are little issues with instruction but with discipline. I know what I should do but I don't do it. Newton's first law can be simply put as, nothings' gonna change in my life until I change, change requires discipline especially when it's for my own good.

There can be no training without discipline, to be godly, one must say no to some things and yes to others. I cannot be training for a marathon and saying yes to excess sugar, salt and oil while saying no to running, weights and sits ups. Something's gotta give. This reminds me of another advice from Paul to endure hardship like a good soldier. As a contender for the faith, I need to be sure that I'm living what I'm saying. Training to be godly involves PRACTICE, we are what we repeatedly do, excellence is not a one day show, it is a habit (quote from?)so I must wake up each day and practice that which I have been convinced of. Storms in life are inevitable, for as well as being training tools, they serve to show in public the training we have received in private. Surviving the storm depends on what I have built my house on and what I have built my house with. So, don't shame your Papa, let the world know He trained you and is still training you real good. The goal of the trainer is not for you to fall in love with him but for you to reach the goal, so sometimes it might seem as if He don't love you anymore but be still and accept the training.

Dear Lord, help me in my training programme to be more like you. I know it's a lifelong lesson. On some days, I may fall flat on my face, on those days remind me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I have made mistakes and might even make more, help me to never give up but keep striving with the grace you provide for it is always sufficient. Every morning when I wake up, it is my desire to live the life you would have me live, exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit. Amen

*Every body persists in its state of being at REST or of moving UNIFORMLY straight forward, except insofar as it is COMPELLED to change its state by FORCE impressed
Isaac Newton, The Principia, A new translation by I.B. Cohen and A. Whitman, University of California press, Berkeley 1999

Excuse me! Your faith is showing..

In the same way, let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

This post's title is an adaptation of a slightly embarrassing story that occurred when quite a number of years ago. I remember looking wistfully at my mum and older sister when they were dressing up because in my eyes they had reached the 'advanced' stages of wearing more interesting undergarments than my plain white vest. Lol! Anyway I decided that I too was going to join the club by hook or crook and went to wear one of my mum's slips (dunno what you call them, the one that looks like a skirt) under my cloths. I felt good, was in my own cloud nine, until someone tapped me and said, "Excuse me, your slip is showing", that brought me back to earth quickly! Obviously my mum had a bigger waist so my pretty skirt had somehow slipped down a bit and created a second hemline for my clothes. Lol, I don't even remember what made me think of this but it got me thinking that in that situation, something that was to remain on the inside had somehow made an appearance on the outside, that which should have been hidden was now exposed.

This is true of ourselves as individuals and believers, who we are on the inside will eventually show up. So, if you were to look within what would you see and vice versa. Would what you see match up to my claim about myself or would it be a facade. I can't remember where I got a quote that says, who you are screams so loudly in my ears, I can't hear what you're saying. These days, I've been meditating on what it really means to be a believer, an uncompromising child of God in a compromising world. I look within and around me and if I'm a bit honest have become a bit disillusioned with the 'schizophrenic Christianity' syndrome, where I want to have it all. I want both God and the world, I nurture and nourish both my spirit and my flesh. Father, help me. Joshua told the Israelites to choose, choose whom they would serve but he made a decision, "as for me and my house we will serve the Lord". Father, this is my prayer today as well.

I recently had a minor disagreement with a friend of mine and I sensed the Holy Spirit telling me to accept the responsibility to patch things up. Why me? I didn't do anything (or so I thought) but He made me understand that even though I may not be in the wrong, I'm the one who 'claims' to read the Bible, who 'lives' according to Scripture, who goes to church, who knows that love is kind, love forgives, love takes the higher way even when it means swallowing some pride. He said "your faith is showing, what does it look like"? In every altercation you have and especially with unbelievers, it is your responsibility to work towards conflict resolution because you have me and you have the word. Hmm.

Who we are shows up one way or the other, usually on the days of adversity. I may say I love you but you'll know for sure on the day you need me! When a grape is crushed, blood does not come out. Our faith is showing, when we are crushed, what comes forth? A glass filled with dirty water is placed on a table, the table is hit, water is spilt, lo and behold what has spilled out is clean water! Not so!

Heavenly Father, I lift my hands to you, I lift my heart to you. Help me to live for you and when my faith shows, let it be in consonance with your truth in Jesus name. Sometimes, the most effective evangelism is the way we live our lives, winning them over without words!

So what are you showing?

Selah!

What shall they say?

Life is more than the acquisition of stuff, it is about what we have done,whom we have served and why we will be missed when we leave (Zoe Believer, 2007)

I was going to title this post 'My Epitaph' but that sounded a bit morbid and didn't really fit my 'Thank God it's Friday, looking forward to the weekend' mood that I'm currently in! Lol! I try to read The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People at least once a year, I'm on my third cycle and I still hmmm and haa although I can repeat some bits almost verbatim. I'm on the second habit which states "Begin with the end in mind" and at the beginning of the chapter, the author Stephen Covey encourages the reader to carry out an exercise in which you imagine yourself attending a funeral only to find out it's yours but you have to sit and listen to what others have to say about you.

Now before we start casting down evil imaginations, the aim of the exercise is not to focus on dying and death per se but on the epitaphs that will be given. What shall they say? I just realised that although every human being is created unique and we are so diverse, there are some things we all have in common. We are all born, we all are given 24 hours each day and someday we all die. The point is that we should live our lives focusing on the important things. It's not about living up to other people's expectations but living a life of purpose.

I always like to think that my epitaph would read "Here lies Zoe Believer, Served God, her family and humanity" but this would mean that my purpose would have to be; Serving God, my family and humanity because if what is written on that stone should hold true, it should only be the past tense of what I am living today.

On a deeper level, musing on the conversations, hoping that they're honest, what would Daddy say about me, and Mummy, my sisters, my colleagues at work, my best friends, readers of this blog, whose words would matter at the end of the day? Dr Covey says that doing this enables us touch on what are our core values; helping us arrive at our own definition of success. As a believer, I know that death in this realm is not the end and while my desire is not to be so heavenly concious that I am of no value here on earth for I recognise that God's purpose is that I run, rise and reign here, I am becoming increasingly aware of what my deposits into my spiritual bank account are and if I am really living life in balance.

Even more important is what shall He say? Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into your rest or depart for I don't know you. God forbid the latter, but what we do today determines what we get tomorrow.

What shall they say, what shall He say?

Selah.

Remain blessed and highly favoured. Have a great weekend!

Contending for the faith

Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to CONTEND FOR THE FAITH that was once for all entrusted to the saints. For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and DENY Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord Jude 3-4


For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But YOU, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2nd Timothy 4:3-5

In recent times, I've been having interesting conversations about faith, religion, God, veritas (truth), The Bible amongst other topics; both with people who share my faith and those that don't. I am aware that there are people who don't believe in the existence of God or Jesus Christ, the Bible or tenets of the Christian faith, whilst I don't agree with them, I believe that we all have the right to either accept or reject GOD for it is within our right to choose, I also believe that all choices have consequences, we weigh what we believe those consequences to be and act accordingly.

However, the reason for this post is not to argue about the existence or in defence of God or truth but to remind and urge believers as Jude did a long time ago to contend for the faith. As I mused on my conversations, I realised how passionate the people I was discussing were in bringing me to their line of reasoning and understanding, I asked myself if I was also this passionate when it came to sharing the gospel, what I believe to be truth. Have I been contending for the faith? But what does it mean to contend for the faith? I believe it is what Peter asked us to do in 1st Peter 3:15

...Always be prepared to give an answer to EVERYONE who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with GENTLENESS and RESPECT.

To be able to do this, we as well need to know what our reason is as Paul encouraged Timothy

"....Warn them before God against quarrelling about words; it is of no value and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" 2nd Timothy 2:14-16

I want to encourage us to stay in the word, deeply rooted in it, serving God faithfully, living our lives in such a way that we can even preach without words. Please remember that while we are contending for the faith and for what we believe, we are not fighting for God. I'm so grateful to believe in and serve a God who I don't have to fight for, He's very capable at handling things for Himself. I'll also encourage us to study the book of 2nd Timothy and 1,2 and 3rd John. We really need to be building ourselves up, we have been called to be the salt and the light, let's get to stepping.

An important note is that the way of God is the way of love. Ask God for the grace to walk in love, ask God for the strength to walk away from unprofitable arguments. It's not about having the last word but about saying what God has told you to say. He will use the 'foolish' things of this world to confound the wise. Sow your seed and ask the God of the harvest to do the rest.

It is well, keep contending.

Remain blessed and highly favoured. This remains our year of POSSIBILITIES.

Giving thanks to God

16* years ago, on a beautiful Wednesday afternoon, God blessed a wonderful couple with their second daughter. Since that day, circumstances in my life have changed, there have been ups and downs, there have been great days and sad days but one thing I can say is that GOD has remained faithful. He has been with me and kept His word.

Today is about giving thanks to God, it's not about unfulfilled dreams and expectations. It's not about how close to hitting the big One (that's how my big sister refers to getting to 30)I am, it's not about issues or problems. It's about lifting up my hands and saying Thank you Jesus because not every one born on the same day as me are still here now.

Thank you Father for life, health and wealth.
Thank you Jesus for the fire that is purifying me and making me shine like gold
Thank you for my family, the way they have taught me about love and forgiveness, the way we pull together during tough times, thank you Lord
Father, I give you thanks for the friends you have given me, the confidants, the 'scaffolding', everyone that has passed through and those that have stayed on, they have all contributed in their own way. I love you people
Thank you for the friends i have made through blogging, thank you for egbons and aburos who by their talents have made me laugh, cry, go wow or just stay silent and think. You guys are so talented, keep stirring up your highest gifts.
Thank you Lord for answered prayers through the years, for "This just has to be God" testimonies
Thank you for the man who loves me, both when I'm good and not, not because he's perfect but because he's perfect for me. Thank you for our commitment to grow in our love for you and for each other
Thank you Father for the future, thank you for the vision, both written and unwritten for though it tarries, I know you'll give me the patience to wait for it for it will surely come to pass
Thank you for people who read this blog, follow, I pray that they are blessed, happy, provoked, I don't mind if they are angry or don't agree but let these words always be a seed in the hearts of people who read

Thank you, thank you, thank you, may this be my new song in this new year I'm going into. A year of gratitude, truly being grateful for all my God does and just growing in love with Him.

Thank you Lord.

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His LOVE endures FOREVER Psalm 118:1

* P.S I'm not really 16 but I'm sure you knew that already...lol!!

This pain is necessary...

I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the WORLD rejoices. You will grieve, but your GRIEF will be turned to JOY. A woman giving birth to a child has PAIN because her TIME has COME; but when her baby is born she FORGETS the anguish because of her JOY that a child is born into the world. John 17:20-21 NIV

I am in pain and it hurts. I believe I know what I can do to stop it (at least on a temporary basis) but I sense God telling me to stay put. Why? God can't you see me, can't you feel this? Are you sure?

Yes, I am for this pain is necessary to birth your destiny. Just like a woman has no choice for when that baby is ready, there is a necessary pain but that pain turns to joy when she puts all her strength in pushing her baby out. Your pain is necessary for it speaks of the transformation taking place in your life, the butterfly goes through pain as it forces itself out of the pupa but the pain is necessary to get to the next stage. This pain is necessary for you must go out and testify of your experiences that you may comfort those that walk that path without the benefit of knowing Me as you do, they will only relate to someone who understands their pain.

This pain is necessary for like Jacob with his limp it causes you to lean on me even more, to take up the mantle of humility. Look at Jesus, I watched as they put Him through the most excruciating pain, I could have stopped it, but then we wouldn't be having this conversation would we?

Selah

What is truth?

"What is truth?" Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, "I find no basis for a charge against him. John 18:38 (NIV)

I received an email from a reader of this blog a while ago, in which he posed the question, I have used as the title of this post, from the verse above I guess he isn't the only one who is asking this, seems not many things have changed from 2,000 years ago! As I reflected on his question, I also asked a few friends as to what their thoughts were, I've added both his email (not exactly in the same format I received it but without changing the meaning I hope) and the responses I received duly referenced. I'll also add my own 2 cents..so this may be a very LONG one.

Hello

I couldn't help but copy what you asked not to copy even though I didn't need it. :) Human nature I guess.... Maybe its just me anyways got a question for you.

WHAT IS TRUTH?
AND HOW DO YOU ARRIVE AT IT?
SHOULD TRUTH BE UNIVERSAL, EXPERIENTIAL, ACQUIRED OR INFERRED? (CONTINUOUSLY REFINED)

I can pretty much make out that you are a christian from your blog hmm...took some brain teasing ( laugh ** :)) seriously

IS IT REVEALED?
HOW INDIVIDUAL IS IT?

Father, help me, what is truth? The simple answer is that TRUTH IS TRUTH. That's exactly what it is, if I'm telling you the truth about something , my story never changes because truth is truth. From dictionary.com, I got some definitions of truth as

1. the true or actual state of a matter: He tried to find out the truth.
2. conformity with fact or reality; verity: the truth of a statement.
3. a verified or indisputable fact, proposition, principle, or the like: mathematical truths.
4. the state or character of being true.
5. actuality or actual existence.
6. an obvious or accepted fact; truism; platitude.
7. honesty; integrity; truthfulness.
8. (often initial capital letter) ideal or fundamental reality apart from and transcending perceived experience: the basic truths of life.
9. agreement with a standard or original.
10. accuracy, as of position or adjustment.
11. Archaic. fidelity or constancy. (dictionary.com)

Do we arrive at truth,is it revealed and how individual is it?

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me". John 14:6 so Jesus is the truth.

Jesus said He is the truth, I believe this is because He SEES and KNOWS all things. You are only 100% sure of what the truth is when you can see and know all things. Remember the poem about the blind men and the elephant, it was one elephant but while their descriptions of what an elephant was could be said to be true,they all had different descriptions or truths but ONE elephant. After all, they could prove that their description was right based on the evidence before them but was their description true? No, because they couldn't see the whole picture. At the end of this story, we are told to be more tolerant of the beliefs of others because truth can be told in different ways, do I agree? Not necessarily, what about if I asked each or just one of the blind men what would be required to kill the elephant, I would have received various responses and the choice I made on what the truth was would enable me to either kill the elephant or be killed myself! Now if I asked someone who knows all things, the Creator of the elephant this question, what do you think my position would be.

In statistics (I stand to be corrected, I am not a statistician!lol!) there is something called a Type I error where we reject an answer even though it is true and a Type II where we accept an answer even though it is wrong, these errors arise from both known (systematic) and unknown or random (statistical) sources. The basic thing is that I might think that something is true based on the information (or data) that I have and make decisions based on that information but could be making a mistake because what I think is truth is not the actual truth because I don't have all the information. In taking an oath before giving evidence in court, we swear to say the truth, the WHOLE truth and nothing but the truth, this is because lawyers know that sometimes leaving a phrase out of a testimony could render a true account wrong.

All your words are TRUE; all your righteous laws are eternal (Psalm 119:160)

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. (John 17:17)


Jesus says He is the truth, the word of God is also truth, in that respect it is universal for He is the same, yesterday, today and forever. Truth is acquired by revelation, it could also be acquired by experience and on that basis could be said to be individual for it is the truth that you know that sets you free. I think I will update this as we go along because I don't think enough justice has been done yet.


Jaycee

Truth is FACT. Fact comes in different ways: could be as a result of a proven experiment (scientific) or could be as a result of one's experiences. As a Christian, I look around me and I know for a fact that there has to be God because of the indescribable works behind the creation of living things (mountains, seas, oceans, trees, animals, human beings). From experience also, I have seen miracles done in my life as a result of praying to God (the Creator of the Universe)--and if there is evil (for instance in the occultic powers), then there has to be a God, and this has become my TRUTH. Truth is all of the above (universal, experiential, acquired or inferential) depending on what topic you're talking about. You can acquire truth from an instructor, and then a few years later experience it for yourself (which will then confirm all the truth previously acquired). Truth is universal but not everyone is knowledgeable about it and so some live their lives in ignorance, until maybe one day experience the truth.


AA

These are my thoughts...

Truth is absolute and does not depend on geography, race, creed, economic status or religion. However, we usually perceive the truth differently based on how some of the parameters listed above affects us.It is our perception that we refer to as revealed or individual truth. The truth is like looking at a huge multicoloured ball with us standing at different areas and seeing different colours based on our positions. The fact is that we would all be correct if we insisted that the ball is colour we could see yet the truth is that we would all be wrong because the ball is more than we could see. The truth is from the perspective of the originator not how it is perceived.

This is the reason why the bible says "Let all men be liars and God alone true". We know only in parts and so we cannot claim to truly know. The truth is based on knowledge and can only be complete when knowledge is complete.... The only one who has complete knowledge is God and so he originates the truth. However he will typically reveal the knowledge and hence the truth that is required by different parts to complete their assignment.

A good check for whatever we hold to be true is to compare it to the position of the originator because whatever is revealed can only be sampled from what already is the truth. if it doesn't align then it stands no chance of being true. Secondly the seeker of truth must first seek to know its originator cos it is in the knowledge of the originator that you are able to tell if what you know as truth can truly emanate from the originator and hence really classify what you know as truth.

I hope i made some sense.

So D.S, thank you so much for your email. I don't know if your question has been answered but please this discussion is open to all for their 2 cents.

Remain blessed and highly favoured.

Where are you?

But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?" Genesis 3:9 (NIV)

When God asks a question, believe me when I say He knows the answer already. When God asked this question, it wasn't so much a geographical question as it was a positional one. Adam, where are you? You, the epitome of my creation, where are you? You, I fashioned from the dust of the ground and breathed my very own Spirit in you, where are you? You, who I gave the job to care and tend this garden, where are you? Have you fallen into the devil's deception?

Believer where are you? Are you standing in the purpose I designed you for? Are you walking in love? Where are you? Standing on the Word of God or drowning in the devil's deception when he tells you there is no way out. Where are you my daughter, are you ready for the battle, dressed in your armour or are you playing ten ten in the field oblivious to the forces of the enemy gathering to attack. My daughter, remember who you are, remember whose you are and act accordingly..Selah.

To be continued...

I am confident

I am confident
Said the grain
as it was buried deep inside the soil
that although I die alone today
as the rain falls
and the sun shines
I shall resurrect
not one
but many

I am confident
said the flower
for though I tremble
at the thought of my crushing
I know
it shall produce a sweet perfume
that may grace the temples
of a queen or
two

I am confident
said the silver
as it was poured in the melting pot
that this heat
is for my good
and I shall patiently bear
until a pure reflection
doth the silversmith see
when he looks in me

I am confident
said Joseph
as he pondered on the journey of his life
that the dream God has given me shall come to pass
I have been in the pit and sold to slavery
and am now wrongfully put in this prison
but the Lord is with me
and will turn it around for my good

I am confident
said Believer
as she faced the storms of life
that I will get to the other side
though the winds are raging
and the waves are blowing
Jesus is captain of this boat
and I walk in supernatural peace

So I ask, where is your confidence today? In the storm you can see or in the God that you 'cannot' see but know is definitely working ALL things together for your good. Selah.

being confident of this, that he who BEGAN a GOOD WORK in you will carry it on to COMPLETION until the day of Christ Jesus Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. Philippians 1:6 (The Message)

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded Hebrews 10:35 (NIV)

Renewal..

re-new verb (used with object)

1. to begin or take up again, as an acquaintance, a conversation, etc.; resume.
2. to restore or replenish: to renew a stock of goods.
3. to make, say, or do again.
4. to revive; reestablish.
5. to recover (youth, strength, etc.).
6. to restore to a former state; make new or as if new again.


Even youths grow tired and weary,and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will RENEW their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40 30-31 (NIV)

He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles,They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind. Isaiah 40:30-31 (The Message)

This morning God encouraged me through His word by reminding me that for something to get renewed, it must have existed at some point. Those who hope in the Lord will have their strength renewed; renewed because it existed at some point, to renew a passport, license, gym membership or vows, you must have had them already! Life can be draining but God has given us an assurance that if we go back to Him, the source of all strength, He will give us what we need to get back on track, run the race and be victorious.

He is the only one that can renew vision, purpose, relationships and strength. Talk to Him today, be honest about how you feel and ask Him for the ability to do what you are finding it difficult to do and go in faith and do it. A lot of relationships end not so much because of what was done but for the little things that were not done, the things that renew the relationship. Do you need to renew your relationship with the Father today? His arms are always open.

Remain blessed and highly favoured. This is our month of LAUGHTER and I know the Lord will give you a reason to rejoice in Jesus name.

The Invitation

The invitation came in the mail
and addressed me by name
it had a royal seal
The King of Kings
and Lord of Lords
requests your presence
at his banquet

I searched my wardrobe
I must look my best
I adorned my righteousness
polished my good works
and sprayed on some self-confidence
I looked pretty good
or so I thought

I stepped into the grand hall
It was so full of light
I tried to smoothen my gown
Alas, I realised that
I was clothed in rags
Hearing the footsteps of the king
I must hide
Tears began to fall
I can't see the King like this
I'm not worthy
I shouldn't be here

But He said
Come as you are
I have loved you with an everlasting love
I have drawn you to myself with loving kindness
I'll clothe you with my righteousness
Wrap you up in my forgiveness
For I have sanctified you
Take your place of honour at the table
Feast on my goodness and faithfulness

You are my daughter
A princess
I have called you,
chosen you, justified you
Continue to walk in your calling
Be holy as I am holy
You are blessed beyond measure
You shall do great things
You are blessed beyond measure
Remain in my love
This invitation is for a permanent arrangement
I love you


But he said to him, "A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, `Come; for all is now ready Luke 14:16-17

As has just been said:"Today, if you hear his voice,do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion Hebrews 3:15

Something about the sunset

Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5b, NIV)

The nights of crying your eyes out give way to days of laughter. (Psalm 30:5b, The Message)

Something about the sunset reminds me that almost every situation is subject to change. Only His unfailing love remains ever constant. I cry when night comes because I can't see the way out, I can't see the companion, I can't see the idea, I can't see the help, I can't see anything but no matter how dark the night gets, one thing I am certain of is that the morning is coming and with one ray of light, darkness is banished. Morning doesn't necessary come attached with an am, morning comes when I see the light and in that light I know that I know that I know that God is with me through it all and it aint over until God says so, it isn't over until I win! And win we shall, our nights of crying will give way to days of laughter in Jesus name.

.....and there was evening and there was morning... (Genesis 1:5b, NIV)

Death

Zoe Believer is dying to herself, to her will, to her plans and to her flesh. It's been slow and painful but worthwhile.Fruitfulness involves death. He says,

"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains a SINGLE SEED. But if it dies, it produces MANY SEEDS. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life" John 12:24-25 (NIV)

To produce fruit in every area of our lives, we must go via death. Jesus is our model and pattern and has shown us the way. I strongly believe that the reason Jesus worked and walked in a dimension that has been impossible to follow is that in his humanity He was totally sold out to the will of God. 100% submitted, 100% obedient, 100% dead to himself and 100% sold out to the will of the Father.

"Believer, are you dying or are you struggling to live, are you letting go to drown in the river of His love or are you trying so hard to swim against the tide. Are you ready to die to your pride, to your will, to your plans that a new you may resurrect and emerge, even in the world of business and wealth creation, you must die to the lure of liabilities that you may invest your income in assets so that the things you said no to today, you will be able to say yes to tomorrow. Believer, I have put you in the position that you have found yourself in today. I am teaching you a lesson but you are not learning. Say no to your flesh and what it craves; physically, sweets that brings no nourishment; anger, holding on to your 'rights' about issues, you may be right but how does your anger move you forward??"

So Lord, help me. It's difficult to climb, to take up your cross DAILY and follow you because usually I want to go on my own path. Help me to die that I may live for to be carnally minded is death but when I live for you it is life and peace. Help me to pass the tests on the path you have designed for me. Help me to love you, myself and others as you would like me to.

GOD...

has been teaching me to love. It is beautiful, it is painful, it should come with a warning that says "attempt at your own risk" but we were created to love. To love Him, to love ourselves and to love others, if I may say in that order. We cannot truly love Him and hate ourselves for we were born of Him, we cannot truly love Him and hate others either. To love is to give up of yourself, it requires depth and maturity, no more "Why me" but "Why not me", sometimes you say yes when you would rather say no and you say no when everything on the inside is screaming yes. Sometimes love requires you to walk away from something or someone that seems so good but you know is not the best.

Love is a feeling and a doing both at the same time but it's hard to go on when the feeling is not there but the truth is when we accept it God gives us the grace and ability to do ALL that He has asked us to do, there is a love that is natural but we do not require praise for this, when we begin to love supernaturally, hmm! I need to love Him, me and you. Who do you need to love today? Is it your mum or your dad, hubby, wifey, daughter/son. So many times, my love is performance oriented, only given to show appreciation, God is teaching me to show love both when it is deserved and when it is undeserved. Possible, yes, easy...no, not by a long mile.

God's love is so pure, I don't know if I'll ever get that far this side of eternity but I'm determined to get as close to it as possible. I had a funny experience on the train a few weeks ago and I just thought about what would happen if it were to blow up and I died (what a thought I know) but my first thought was why, why, why didn't i let my sisters know that i love and appreciate them. Isn't it funny how we behave because we always feel we have time. My dear sisters, I love and appreciate you.

I don't even know why I'm writing this, I thought I was going to write a farewell post! Lol! It is well.

What??

God: You've asked me how, you've asked me when, you've sung the 'Why me' single but my question for you is What? What contribution are you making to the Kingdom of God? What are you doing for me? What have you done for me lately?

Believer: Still thinking about it..

Selah

Prayer changes things

We've been having a season of prayer and fasting in KICC. Please feel free to join us in church or online (www.kicc.org.uk). I just felt led to share the prayer points from yesterday's prayer session. You have Pastor Dipo Oluyomi to thank for them. I believe that God is working and meeting us all at the point of our needs.

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

I decree and declare that because the Lord is my shepherd, I will not lack any good thing, financially, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, materially, physically. I shall not lack the resources I need to achieve my destiny in Jesus name.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

I declare that because the Lord is my Shepherd, He will guide me to the best places for me. He will make me lie down in green pastures, leading me to my place of breakthrough and testimony. His quiet waters speak of creativity and rest. There is no quiet in war, thank you because the WAR is over and rest is my portion.


he restores my soul

No more wahala (trouble) in Jesus name. I declare that because the Lord is my Shepherd I receive divine restoration of ALL that the enemy has stolen from me. Favour, blessing, peace of mind, joy, glory, finance, all that belongs to me from the spirit realm I receive back in Jesus name


He guides me in paths of righteousness, for his name's sake.

I declare that because the Lord is my Shepherd, anything that will make me stumble and fall is removed from my way in Jesus name. I am walking in the righteousness of God.


Even though I walk, through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

I declare war against fear. I will fear no evil, no evil shall come near my dwelling or that of my family. I shall live and not die to declare the goodness and glory of the Lord. I know that you are with me.

You prepare a table before me, in the presence of my enemies.You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I will prosper in the presence of my detractors and all those who are plotting against me. I will flourish in the land of my 'captivity' like Joesph. Father, thank you for a new anointing of joy, grace, love and peace.

Surely goodness and love will follow me,all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

I decree and declare that every day for the rest of my life God's goodness and mercy shall follow me. The nothing broken, nothing missing power of God is provoked over my life in Jesus name.

AMEN.

Carnal believer...me?

Examine yourself to see whether you are in the faith; test yourself (2nd Corinthians 13:5a)

And now O Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you but to fear the Lord your God to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with ALL your heart and with ALL your soul (Deut 10:12)

Brothers(and sisters!), I could not adress you as spiritual but as worldly-mere infants in Christ......You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarrelling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men 1st Corinthians 1:1-3 (bracket mine)

I woke up one morning, weighed down with issues I had been pondering (not praying...just pondering) on through the night. I opened my mouth to say thank you Jesus for a new day and was startled to hear this back.."Stop being a carnal believer!". I was like, who me? Yes, of course me. I'm sure it's a strange term to hear and I will admit it was a truth that was a bit difficult to swallow but along the way I had moved from being God-centred to 'other' centred.

So who is a carnal believer? I put in some notes from my study Bible.

"People fall into 3 spiritual categories that clarify how the revelation of the Cross by the spirit is received from the human side. First, the natural man, unregenerate and devoid of the Spirit has no appreciation for the gospel. Second we have the spiritual man, regenerated and possessing spiritual maturity...has a nature that responds to truth and unbelievers find him difficult to understand. The CARNAL man has been regenerated but lives much like an unregenerate, is a BELIEVER with childish ways.....an IMMATURE CHRISTIAN that lives more for human opinion than Christ. (Notes under 1st Corinthians 2:14-3:4 in the Spirit Filled Study Bible).

Yeh pa, although I have to say, I was convicted as I saw myself in one of those categories and not the one I thought I would find myself in. When we become born again, we are regenerated, new creatures in God. The use of the word born indicates that in this new kingdom we are children irrespective of what our age is in the natural and from that point on we should strive and our main purpose should be growing in things of the Spirit to catch up so to speak.

I've been busy, busy keeping up with all my 'roles'. Student, teacher, daughter, girlfriend, sister, friend, colleague, Committee Secretary e.t.c. In this busyness of life, my relationship with God had moved from being my first priority to one of the agenda's on the To Do List of my life; half hearted prayer in the morning as I prepared fro my day, singing songs but not giving genuine worship. Thank God for His mercy and grace. God showed me that this were signs and symptoms of a backslidden heart! Isn't that harsh you may ask? But is it really, I always used to see backslidding as an act; when a believer gave into temptation and 'fell' into some sin but backslidding is a thing of the heart when I place my idols (however good they may be) in a place reserved for God alone. The word says we should 'seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all other things will be added' but I had been seeking other things and expecting the kingdom to be added. I was tired, stressed, fed-up, angry, bitter wondering why things were not working as they should.

God is well mannered; oh so well mannered, when He is not King in my life, he does not act as if He is king, I don't get those instructions I need to work smart and not hard. I thank God for His mercy, He spoke to me as He did to the Israelites through Haggai.."Believer, give careful thought to your ways"

'You have planted much but have harvested little. you eat, but never have enough. You drink but never have your fill. You put on clothes but are not warm. You earn wages only to put them in a purse with holes in it' Haggai 1:6.

I couldn't have expressed what I was feeling more accurately and why?

.."Because of my house which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house v9

I know preachers use this scripture to encourage people give to the building fund but if we remember that we are now the temple of God, His altar being built in our hearts. How am I building it? Am I building it? or am I building the other areas of my life. Father, forgive me. God said we should love Him with ALL our heart, soul and might. I sing about God's presence being the air that I breathe and my daily bread but it's amazing how easy it is for me to exchange it for other things. If you had breathing problems what would you exchange for your oxygen tank? A new job, a promotion, a marriage partner, what? Nothing, because that oxygen is my life source. Nothing satisfies like Christ, David really knew this because he said his heart longeth for God as the deers for the streams of water. Selah!

I don't want to be carnal anymore; allowing myself to be tossed from one wave of emotion to the other, happy today, sad tomorrow. The carnal believer knows and believes God but has not gotten to a place where God is lord over every area. Hmm, I know I'm not there yet but that's the road less travelled I'm moving on these days, towards spiritual maturity in God. Keeping God as King over my life, making and keeping our 'dates' where we discuss deep stuff. Keeping my life holy so that there is always room for Him in my heart. I don't want to be carnal anymore; allowing the cares of this world to choke God's words that He has planted in my life; being angry, jealous and bitter. I don't want to be good for a few hours on Sunday and then different on Monday, Tuesday, I'm tired of religion, I want to depend on God for everything from when I open my eyes in the morning to when I shut them at night.

A prayer

Forgive me Lord for I have sinned. I have placed people, things, goals and dreams where you should be rightfully seated. I have not loved you with my all; heart, soul or strength. I have not loved my neighbour as myself. Thank you for your mercy and grace and persistence in drawing me back home to you where your love is waiting for me. I bless your name and give you praise for you are worthy to receive it. Teach me O Lord, create a hunger and thirst after righteousness in my heart in Jesus name. I don't want to be a carnal believer anymore. Help O Lord in Jesus name.

Total praise

Ten thousand clashing cymbals
A dozen or so tambourines
Four score and ten sekeres
Let's not forget the
talking drums,
or the stringed instruments
the saxophone
or the oboe
and most importantly millions of hands greeting each other
patewo
all saying in their own tongues
HALLELUYAH
Praise be to God Almighty
the whole earth is full of your glory
I am redeemed of the lord and I say so
I have breath so I'm counted amongst those
that are praising the Lord today
for indeed He has been good, His mercies endureth forever
HALLELUYAH
Amen

I feel like shouting, I've been singing and dancing but now I have company! Yes, I am crazy, crazy about my God. No, nothing happened, well at least if I can call the fact that I'm still alive and well nothing, or that my blocked nose is clear nothing, or the fact that my lunch is waiting for me in the fridge nothing, that the fact that there's no cash in the bank at the same time there are no bills to pay nothing! If I can say that my family is alive and well nothing, If I can say that my education is nothing or that some sales were made nothing well then nothing has happened! But these things I take for granted are not nothing because my God has got my back real good.

I am rejoicing, I am singing, I am dancing, I am jumping (on the inside), please join me, I know Remi is breakdancing so I'll just give her some space and do my running man at the side! Lol! But join me, let's give Him total praise. He more than deserves it!

Faith..

Zoe Believer: How, God, how? When God, when?
God: Don't expect something that began with the strength of faith to finish on the basis of sight!
Selah

Now FAITH is being SURE of what we HOPE for, being CONFIDENT of what we do not SEE (Hebrews 11:1)

'B' Thankful

So Aloted issued us a challenge, to look for 10 things that we're grateful and thankful for that start with the first letter of our names..I guess for me that's a B for Believer.

Lord, I'm grateful for,

Brains: Thank you Heavenly Father, I know I usually grossly underestimate the importance of the different parts of my body as I have grown so used to having them. Thank you for the complexity that is my brain, that my amyglada, cortex, limbic system and all the bits that make up my brain are functioning as they should. I can think, speak, walk, run and do all that I do because of my brain. Thank you Jesus. Thank you for my brain which I use daily and yet never think about, thank you because through this brain even more complex questions will be answered in Jesus name.

Blogville family: I don't know if Blogville is an actual word that can be found in the dictionary but I'm grateful for my blogville family. You guys are the best, I've got to know some people outside of Blogville and they've all been amazing, even though some relationships were for a season, I'm still grateful because my life has been enriched. I've met beautiful people, people who have been so open and trusting that they have challenged me to become open and trusting to. When I'm down, I know there's a 30+ who always has a prayer, word of encouragement or something that makes me laugh out loud. I can't even begin to put all your names in this space but I thank God for you, you never know the impact your blogs make on the world. From politics to weddings, education to weight loss, every topic is covered on blogville. You are blessed and I thank God for the opportunity of knowing you all through your words. These days when I mention the word friend, my family always asks 'real' friend or 'blog' friend! Lol!

Babies: I'm sure almost every minute, the world is blessed with a miracle called a baby. I'm grateful to God that we don't come to this world as adults knowing everything, being able to do everything. Thank God for babies, their softness, their total dependence on us which is a model to teach us that we ought to be totally dependent on God. His word says like newborn babes we should always desire the sincere milk of His word. I know babies are a lot of hard work but a parent would never exchange their child for anything, I'm thankful for all babies, those born in good health and those who we are still believing God for healing. I thank God for babies that are yet to show up to mums that have been waiting for them for so long, I know that in the season of time, there shall be a testimony in Jesus name.

Books: How could I forget this? I am because I read and I read because I am. Readers are leaders and don't let anyone tell you different! I'm always flogging (promoting..sorry I'm picking up a lot of slangs these days!) the idea of reading and not just reading anything but reading books that add value, that add wisdom. Successful people read. I thank God for books, that I can have an insight into other people's knowledge without even having a conversation with them. I can pick up a book and step into another world of mystery, cracking my brain to find out Whodunit? I can read about anything, how to read, how to write, proper etiquette for a lady, I can learn about the lives of people who died before I was born. Books are wonderful, they are my biggest investment! Thank you Father for good books and for the greatest of all that has stood the test of time the Bible.

Bible: Well, this deserves a whole post on it's own. Thank you Father for the Bible, the irrefutable word of God. Thank you for the logos which reveals to us the rhema which comes with great dunamis. Thank you for the different versions that the Bible comes in, some may argue about it but I'm grateful to have comparisons on different versions, thank you for inspiring people to prepare study notes to add to some of them, giving us novices more insight into what a passage means and the historical background associated with it. Thank you that the Bible speaks to every need in my life be it physical, emotional, financial, relational, there is always a word in the Bible that can calm my fears. Thank you that the Bible is more than just a book, it is the living, breathing Word of God, changing lives on a daily basis. Thank you Father for leaving us this mine of wisdom that we can draw strength from on a daily basis.

Bacteria: Well, well, well, an unusual point to be grateful for. Thank you Father for bacteria, for the bad publicity they always get as being these bad things that make people sick which I know some of them are (the baddies) but thank you that less than 5% of all bacteria are pathogenic (able to cause disease). Thank you for the goodies, those in our gut ensuring the baddies don't stay there, those involved in food/antibiotic production, those in the environment, ensuring that nitrogen keeps getting recycled. Thank you that although they don't get appreciated they still keep working because they have to and truly we couldn't live without them even though we don't know!

'B' family: Thank you Lord for this family that I'd prayed about for such a long time, at first with apprehension but now with gratefulness. Thank you for the testimonies you have done so far, indeed I know that your hand has been involved every step of the way and I'm grateful for what you will still do in the future. Thank you for the love and peace that exists and thank you for acceptance.

Believer: Thank you for Believer, I'm grateful for my life, I'm thankful for God's mercy and grace, his hand of favour upon it. God has been good, even when life goes up and down, He remains faithful. Thank you for everything that makes me me, thank you for those things that I complain about, thank you in everything both good and bad you remain a good God who has great thoughts and plans towards me to give me a future and a hope. Thank you Father in Jesus name.

Wow, well gratitude, always makes for a great attitude. I feel so much better having done this. The hymn writer encourages us to count our blessings and it will surprise us what the Lord has done. There are so many things I take for granted, so thank you Aloted for inspiring this. I am truly blessed and passing it on.