Some videos that really got me thinking..
Showing posts with label Nigeria. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nigeria. Show all posts
Friday, 20 January 2012
Monday, 16 January 2012
Why I am Occupying..
What I am about to share has been on my heart for a few days now and while it is a deviation from what I would normally write, I am learning how important it is to have a holistic view of life. As much as we yearn for eternity, right at this moment we live in this world. Jesus said 'We are in the world but not of the world' and sometimes I have this tendency to compartmentalise life into Christian and secular boxes when in reality it is really one life lived with Christ at the centre.
Since the announcement of the removal of the fuel subsidy in Nigeria, I will be lying if I said I have not been angry. In short, angrier than I had ever been before about things occurring in my nation. I saw prices of goods and services rising. I saw some people on minimum wage of N18,000, £72, $120 a month having the major part of their salaries obliterated by the sure increase in transportation costs. I saw an insensitive Government yet laying another burden on the people. A Government that asked people to sacrifice and tighten their belts and didn't show any good faith in tightening their own belts. A Government that calls basic amenities like healthcare, education, good roads, drinkable water palliatives. There is the economics of the subsidy, why its removal is good for the nation. There is the propaganda, how the fuel subsidy only helped the rich and not the poor. I shake my head and pray that I am wrong in thinking as a nation we have trod this path so many times. That this present administration lacks sincerity and compassion. That while we think we live in a democracy because we have elected leaders, the lack of freedom of the press and judiciary makes it seem we are not.
What I found interesting was the initial silence from believers. I sometimes think we confuse Paul's admonition for us to respect authority with keeping quiet in the face of evil. For to keep quiet when evil reigns is to condone it. A lot of people felt that our Christian leaders should have been more vocal with regard to the issues. While I am among that group, I respect people's right to do what they feel is right. The most important thing for me is doing what God wants us to do and not what is popular opinion. My grievance was and in some ways still is that a lot of these leaders publicly endorsed a particular candidate and used their influence amongst their congregation so now is not the time to claim separation between church and state.
It was encouraging to see some ministers finally speak up as a response to some criticism for the silence. For too long, the church has hidden behind 'Let us pray' and forgotten that prayer while being the MOST IMPORTANT FIRST step in transformation, it is not the only step. Jesus prayed in Gethsamane, his prayer so intense it was almost like drops of blood fell from his brow, this was his preparation for Golgotha. Esther prayed and fasted for her people, after which she went to face the king with the injustice about to be unleashed to the people even at risk to her life.
Other blogs have the facts and figures. The 2012 budget, the KPMG audit on NNPC, the SURE document etc. I am occupying because I feel in 2012, enough was finally enough. Occupying isn't personal, political, ethnic, religious. It is about Nigeria. It is about saying No to a system where corruption thrives and righteousness doesn't. A system where believers find it difficult to say No to compromise so they can earn a buck. Occupying isn't about insulting anyone but standing for truth. People are free to agree or disagree. For the first time in a long time, the people are united in their stand. I believe in a democratic society, people have a right to say NO in a peaceful manner. I am still praying for Nigeria and I hope we are all praying too because there must be a change. Things can no longer go on as they are.
He said 'Occupy till I come' which wasn't in reference to protesting but us taking our rightful place. Most importantly I must allow Him to Occupy me.
Remain blessed.
ZoeB
Since the announcement of the removal of the fuel subsidy in Nigeria, I will be lying if I said I have not been angry. In short, angrier than I had ever been before about things occurring in my nation. I saw prices of goods and services rising. I saw some people on minimum wage of N18,000, £72, $120 a month having the major part of their salaries obliterated by the sure increase in transportation costs. I saw an insensitive Government yet laying another burden on the people. A Government that asked people to sacrifice and tighten their belts and didn't show any good faith in tightening their own belts. A Government that calls basic amenities like healthcare, education, good roads, drinkable water palliatives. There is the economics of the subsidy, why its removal is good for the nation. There is the propaganda, how the fuel subsidy only helped the rich and not the poor. I shake my head and pray that I am wrong in thinking as a nation we have trod this path so many times. That this present administration lacks sincerity and compassion. That while we think we live in a democracy because we have elected leaders, the lack of freedom of the press and judiciary makes it seem we are not.
What I found interesting was the initial silence from believers. I sometimes think we confuse Paul's admonition for us to respect authority with keeping quiet in the face of evil. For to keep quiet when evil reigns is to condone it. A lot of people felt that our Christian leaders should have been more vocal with regard to the issues. While I am among that group, I respect people's right to do what they feel is right. The most important thing for me is doing what God wants us to do and not what is popular opinion. My grievance was and in some ways still is that a lot of these leaders publicly endorsed a particular candidate and used their influence amongst their congregation so now is not the time to claim separation between church and state.
It was encouraging to see some ministers finally speak up as a response to some criticism for the silence. For too long, the church has hidden behind 'Let us pray' and forgotten that prayer while being the MOST IMPORTANT FIRST step in transformation, it is not the only step. Jesus prayed in Gethsamane, his prayer so intense it was almost like drops of blood fell from his brow, this was his preparation for Golgotha. Esther prayed and fasted for her people, after which she went to face the king with the injustice about to be unleashed to the people even at risk to her life.
Other blogs have the facts and figures. The 2012 budget, the KPMG audit on NNPC, the SURE document etc. I am occupying because I feel in 2012, enough was finally enough. Occupying isn't personal, political, ethnic, religious. It is about Nigeria. It is about saying No to a system where corruption thrives and righteousness doesn't. A system where believers find it difficult to say No to compromise so they can earn a buck. Occupying isn't about insulting anyone but standing for truth. People are free to agree or disagree. For the first time in a long time, the people are united in their stand. I believe in a democratic society, people have a right to say NO in a peaceful manner. I am still praying for Nigeria and I hope we are all praying too because there must be a change. Things can no longer go on as they are.
He said 'Occupy till I come' which wasn't in reference to protesting but us taking our rightful place. Most importantly I must allow Him to Occupy me.
Remain blessed.
ZoeB
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Wednesday, 10 February 2010
iPray: Day 10
A Prayer For Nigeria offered by Rita
Heavenly, Awesome Father, I praise and exalt you today. I lift your up Your Holy Name. Your mercy endures forever, Loving Father. Your love is new every morning, as it is today, and great is Your faithfulness. Thank you Lord that Your arm is not too short to save nor Your ears too dull to hear us. Thank you for this privilege to pray for my country Nigeria.
Lord, when Believer delegated praying for Nigeria on me, I planned to refuse. I wondered if there was any hope for Nigeria seeing that things seem to get worse with each passing day. But Lord you showed me what you did for the Israelites who were on exile. After 70 years you brought them out of captivity. And just before the seventy years were expired, You poured out a spirit of prayer. You also said that “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land". Lord, You who nothing is too difficult for, I know that no matter what has happened in 50 years, it is not too much for You to bring a change.
Daddy, I hold the hands of my fellow bloggers, readers and supporters of iPray, and today we pray for Nigeria.Our Father and Our God, I praise You for Your goodness to our nation, giving us blessings far beyond what we deserve. You alone are sovereign and that you rule over all. I come before you with people who acknowledge our constant need for your provision, wisdom, and protection.
Prayer for the people of Nigeria
Lord, you have created each of us uniquely and with a purpose. Indeed you are God over all peoples. Lord it is my prayer that each and every individual who is a Nigerian will come to the full understanding of how unique and powerful he is. It is my prayer that they reverence and fear You. I pray that they understand that the change they desire can only come if each and every one of them makes a commitment to change for better and affect positively their circle of influence. I pray that with the help of Your Spirit, brotherly love will continue and manifest in the lives of each Nigerian. For if we love each other, we shall only think, plan and do good for each other.
It is my prayer, Sweet Gracious Father, that each individual realizes the power in his words and speak positively concerning the future of Nigeria, rather than tearing it down with their words. This country is a blessed country, and by Your grace, each Nigerian shall eat the good of the land. I pray, Father, that they shall tap into the great skills and talents You have deposited in them. May they use their skills and talents for the good of Nigeria.
Prayer For Leaders and People in Authority
Father, when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice. I thank you Father for giving us leaders and placed people in authority to help move this country forward. I thank You for all the people we have in the different arms of government. Lord, help our leaders and those in authority and bless them today. Give them Your wisdom, guidance and direction. Give them the courage to do what is right in Your sight. I pray that they humbly submit themselves to you. Bless and protect their families oh Lord. I pray that they will come to the knowledge of You and walk according to Your ways. Having prayed for them, oh Father, I claim a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Prayer For Ministries In Nigeria
Lord, I bring before You all the Federal Ministries in Nigeria. May they flourish and yield fruit like a tree planted by streams of Your living water. I pray that these ministries shall achieve the purposes for which they were formed to the development of Nigeria and to Your glory.
Prayer for Peace
Lord God of compassion, I pray for peace in Nigeria. I pray that there will be an end to the enmity, strife and hostilities between the people. I also pray for comfort and help for all who suffered as a result, and for complete reconciliation between any opposing groups.
Prayer for Salvation and Repentance
Heavenly Father, if we have turned from your ways, help us reverse our ways and repent. Give us your light and your truth to guide us, by the help of your spirit. Show us your mercy and grant us your salvation.
It is my prayer, Father, that Nigeria shall progress and not experience stagnation among the people or the Ministries and sectors. May we have testimonies concerning Nigeria, and may the negative things associated with Nigeria become history. May Your unfailing love and mercy continue to touch the lives of all Nigerians.
Thank You Lord for answered prayers. Above all, let Your will be done. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
Sword of the Spirit [1 Timothy 2:1-2, Proverbs 21:1, Isaiah 59:1, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Luke 1:37, Hebrews 13:1 ]
Rita
http://erolyrics.blogspot.com/
Heavenly, Awesome Father, I praise and exalt you today. I lift your up Your Holy Name. Your mercy endures forever, Loving Father. Your love is new every morning, as it is today, and great is Your faithfulness. Thank you Lord that Your arm is not too short to save nor Your ears too dull to hear us. Thank you for this privilege to pray for my country Nigeria.
Lord, when Believer delegated praying for Nigeria on me, I planned to refuse. I wondered if there was any hope for Nigeria seeing that things seem to get worse with each passing day. But Lord you showed me what you did for the Israelites who were on exile. After 70 years you brought them out of captivity. And just before the seventy years were expired, You poured out a spirit of prayer. You also said that “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land". Lord, You who nothing is too difficult for, I know that no matter what has happened in 50 years, it is not too much for You to bring a change.
Daddy, I hold the hands of my fellow bloggers, readers and supporters of iPray, and today we pray for Nigeria.Our Father and Our God, I praise You for Your goodness to our nation, giving us blessings far beyond what we deserve. You alone are sovereign and that you rule over all. I come before you with people who acknowledge our constant need for your provision, wisdom, and protection.
Prayer for the people of Nigeria
Lord, you have created each of us uniquely and with a purpose. Indeed you are God over all peoples. Lord it is my prayer that each and every individual who is a Nigerian will come to the full understanding of how unique and powerful he is. It is my prayer that they reverence and fear You. I pray that they understand that the change they desire can only come if each and every one of them makes a commitment to change for better and affect positively their circle of influence. I pray that with the help of Your Spirit, brotherly love will continue and manifest in the lives of each Nigerian. For if we love each other, we shall only think, plan and do good for each other.
It is my prayer, Sweet Gracious Father, that each individual realizes the power in his words and speak positively concerning the future of Nigeria, rather than tearing it down with their words. This country is a blessed country, and by Your grace, each Nigerian shall eat the good of the land. I pray, Father, that they shall tap into the great skills and talents You have deposited in them. May they use their skills and talents for the good of Nigeria.
Prayer For Leaders and People in Authority
Father, when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice. I thank you Father for giving us leaders and placed people in authority to help move this country forward. I thank You for all the people we have in the different arms of government. Lord, help our leaders and those in authority and bless them today. Give them Your wisdom, guidance and direction. Give them the courage to do what is right in Your sight. I pray that they humbly submit themselves to you. Bless and protect their families oh Lord. I pray that they will come to the knowledge of You and walk according to Your ways. Having prayed for them, oh Father, I claim a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Prayer For Ministries In Nigeria
Lord, I bring before You all the Federal Ministries in Nigeria. May they flourish and yield fruit like a tree planted by streams of Your living water. I pray that these ministries shall achieve the purposes for which they were formed to the development of Nigeria and to Your glory.
Prayer for Peace
Lord God of compassion, I pray for peace in Nigeria. I pray that there will be an end to the enmity, strife and hostilities between the people. I also pray for comfort and help for all who suffered as a result, and for complete reconciliation between any opposing groups.
Prayer for Salvation and Repentance
Heavenly Father, if we have turned from your ways, help us reverse our ways and repent. Give us your light and your truth to guide us, by the help of your spirit. Show us your mercy and grant us your salvation.
It is my prayer, Father, that Nigeria shall progress and not experience stagnation among the people or the Ministries and sectors. May we have testimonies concerning Nigeria, and may the negative things associated with Nigeria become history. May Your unfailing love and mercy continue to touch the lives of all Nigerians.
Thank You Lord for answered prayers. Above all, let Your will be done. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
Sword of the Spirit [1 Timothy 2:1-2, Proverbs 21:1, Isaiah 59:1, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Luke 1:37, Hebrews 13:1 ]
Rita
http://erolyrics.blogspot.com/
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