It first begins in the heart.

"I used to be so judgmental about the way some people dressed. Not long ago, I thought that I couldn't wear jeans while I was teaching at a conference, but my son said to me, "Do you really think that God anoints polyester more than denim?"" ~ Joyce Meyer

The above passage is culled from one of Joyce Meyer's Daily Devotionals and her son's very poignant question got me thinking. Are some people more anointed than others because of how they dress? Does God look at whether a person is "dressed-up" in formal attire or "dressed-down" in casual wear before He sends down His presence or before He works through them? Why do we often judge Christians based on how they dress...or more aptly, on their appearance?

The accompanying scripture reading for that day's devotional was, "But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1Samuel 16:7

I decided to read 1Samuel 16 from the beginning and in the verses preceeding this one, God had instructed Samuel to anoint the next King of Israel from the house of Jesse after He had rejected Saul.
Eliab, Jesse's first son was presented and Samuel thought he could be the next King because he looked the part. However, God rejected Him when He said: “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature because I have refused him."

David, the least "kingly looking" of the lot, a ruddy-looking shepherd boy...Jesse's last son, was chosen by God and anointed to be King. Of course we all know David's story and the fact that Jesus earthly genealogy is in the lineage of David.

The story of the Pharisees comes to mind. They were the only set of people Jesus woefully condemned. They looked clean, and wholesome on the outside...but their hearts were dark and so far from the very God they professed. Hear some of His words to them.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." Matthew 23: 25-28.

Bottom-line is this: what is of utmost importance to God is the state of our heart. What He desires is a heart that loves Him wholly and seeks to please Him in all and through all. A heart that is wholly devoted to Him...an obedient heart.

Let's not pay so much attention to our outer appearance and neglect the part of us where Jesus dwells...our hearts. We should first of all set our hearts right with God. When your inside is truly in right standing with God, your outside will reflect this.

Selah!

Single and searching?...

That his lips smile at you doesn't mean you make his heart smile
Because he gives you things doesn't mean he wants to give you his heart.

That she calls you "Dear" doesn't mean you're dear to her.
Because she says you're good looking doesn't mean you're the one she's been looking for.

Attention doesn't always mean affection.
That someone gives you their time, doesn't mean they want you in their life. Sometimes you're just an option because they're bored...and not their first choice. Sometimes...many times, its lust not love.

Don't dive head first, into relationships. Don't get carried away by the excitement of meeting someone new.  Let intuition guide and guard you.

Intuition...the sixth sense...that voice of truth. Listen to it...never ignore it.
It will help you: 1. Discern between when they truly care about you and when they're just being nice. 2. Discover the motive(s) behind their kind behavior. Is it because they want you in their life or because you are simply someone who can be useful to them.

Intuition never fails. I believe it is the offspring of wisdom...with which you can never go wrong.

Keep your intuition receptors activated as you make decisions about relationships. You'll spare yourself whole lot of heartache and way too many headaches!

Even the little things...

Many of us tend to believe God for BIG miracles. Miracles like getting a job you never expected, being healed from sickness, a sudden major financial breakthrough, and for some people…finding the man or woman of your dreams after years of heartbreak or loneliness. In other words, we have imbibed this notion that if it’s not something big, then it’s not a miracle or something worth testifying about.

While it is good to believe God for big miracles…we should learn to trust Him to do “little” miracles for us as well. Though I hold the opinion that when God is involved in something, it is never little.

Let me share a sweet little testimony with you. Ooops! Did I just say “little testimony?” I meant to say… “testimony.”

Sometime towards the end of last year, I resolved that I was going to start exercising regularly at least thrice a week once the New Year kicks in. This didn’t seem feasible in reality…with the rigor of my weekly routine. On weekdays, I’m up at 5am every morning, off to work at 6am (sometimes earlier), leave the office at about 5pm and usually don’t get home till between 7pm-7:30pm. On very light traffic days I could get home at 6:30pm…but this happens very occasionally. Once home, I attend to family matters, watch a bit of TV to relieve the stress of Lagos traffic…but usually by 10pm…sleep comes knocking at my door due to the fact that I’m already extremely exhausted. I knew getting fit wasn’t up for bargain in any way…I needed it. I thought of maybe going to the gym twice a week after I close work, but that would mean my getting home even later…which wouldn’t be favorable since I have to be up at 5am every day.

Then about two weeks ago, a memo got passed round the office by Management that a compulsory exercise/fitness program would commence the following week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5pm-6pm for all staff. It didn’t even dawn on me that this was an answered prayer until a conversation I had with my sister days later about it. She said to me “God has answered your prayers. You’ve been talking about joining a gym and now, you don’t have to do that but you get to workout as you desired. God loves you.”

That was when it hit me. God had given me the desire of my heart far as this was concerned. Not only do I get to exercise twice a week, I don’t have to spend money enrolling in a gym. I got more than what I desired. Sure, I’d get home later than normal on those days, but the workout times were just perfect since I’m usually not physically tired at 5pm. I thought about this after our session on Tuesday and I was wowed at just how concerned God is about our lives. He does even the littlest things for us. I simply marveled at the depth of His love towards us. It is an all-encompassing love.

But I started to wonder why people think some prayers or desires are too small to present before God. I mean If He clothes the lilies of the field, the birds of the air and even sends down rain which grass, plants and trees need to grow…why won’t He take care of the ones He made in His own image? If we delight ourselves in Him, He shall give us the desires of our heart. (See Psalm 37:4).

Like a father/mother to a child, so is God to us. He cares about us so deeply. He cares about every facet of our lives…and He wants us to trust Him with everything that concerns us.

This may seem like a silly testimony to some…but to others, I hope it will cause us to begin to invite God into every aspect of our lives and expect little miracles in addition to the big ones. There is absolutely nothing God cannot do…you’ve just got to activate that faith button and keep it turned on, always!

OH...its Thursday and I'm off for my workout class!!

 

Finding strength in moments of weakness.

I haven’t blogged about anything since the year began. I must confess that lately I’d been at a relatively low state emotionally and psychologically which was beginning to take a toll on my spiritual life. I’d not been observing my quiet time with God as has been the norm. One of the goals I had given myself for 2015 was to spend at least an hour on Bible-study and another hour or more in private/prayer and worship daily. The first few weeks of January went as planned far as that was concerned. I was also enthusiastic about my other 2015 goals.

Somewhere in the middle of January, things begin to change….not for the better. I suddenly found myself losing the drive and motivation to do anything pertaining to my penned-down goals. The financial expectations I had just weren’t materializing. It was as if everything around me suddenly stood still. Health challenges set in…migraine headaches, on and off malaria and regular bouts of insomnia. Add to this the daily Lagos grind beginning with 5am alarms, long traffic-laden drives to and from work, and my energy level took a dip. On Saturdays (the days I set aside to work on other things) I’d be in bed most of the day trying to rest and recover from the week’s hustle. I started experiencing a spiritual disconnect due to not sticking to my daily prayer/Bible study routine. I got to a point and I was simply just tired.

I am typically a very strong-willed and optimistic person but at this point, I found myself actually giving into the fear of not achieving anything meaningful this year. I seemed to have become the perfect candidate for Satan – the accuser of brethren, to torment with negative thoughts, hoping that I would actually accept that nothing good will come my way. I started to feel inadequate, unqualified and simply not good enough for God to use in anyway. I would often hear these words in my head “look at your past, your mistakes, your mess…” I talked with my family a few times about what I was experiencing. They did an excellent job of gingering me not to quit after such conversations, but the negative thoughts would playback in my head and the vicious cycle began all over again.

All this culminated a few nights ago. While lying down in bed meditating, I realized that I had two options: to give up or to get up and get going. Deep in the inner recesses of my heart, I knew I couldn’t afford to give up. I just didn’t know how to pick myself up out of this state of lowliness. I didn’t know how to pray about it ether…I honestly didn’t! Opening up and sharing my problems with people has never been my forte. Mainly because I am aware that everyone is fighting a battle of their own and the last thing I ever want is be someone’s burden.

While chatting with a friend on Whatsapp the next day, I didn’t realize when I typed “I’ve been feeling depressed lately…just keep me in your prayers.” My friend ofcourse pressed to know what was wrong but I wouldn’t budge. I honestly didn’t know how to start talking about it. The advice he gave me was that I talk to someone about everything I was feeling. “Huh?”…I wondered to myself… “But I’m talking to you (or at least I’m trying to)”…I said to myself. We had a back and forth conversation then my friend said something to me that really struck a chord in my heart. “Just know that someone would do anything to be who you are, regardless.” Then he finally said… “I think it’s the right time to thank God for what He has done for you, members of your family…and praise Him in advance. Worship Him in totality, no distractions, (without the iPods and headphones). Worship brings down God. Your worship will bring Him close. You are a worshipper and this is who you need to be at this point. Don’t ask, just worship.” All I could say was “thanks for everything” and our conversation was over. I went to bed that night feeling quite ashamed of myself for my show of ingratitude towards God. Indeed God has been relentlessly loving, faithful, gracious and sufficient to my family and me. He has done so much for each and every one of us in the last year.

I may have been down healthwise, but I still have life. I thought about the late Whitney Houston’s daughter Bobbi Kristina who is currently comatose, breathing with the help of a ventilator. A few days before her incident, she was excited at new prospects for the year. Now, her family members are left praying for a miracle for her life.

I have decided to simply be grateful for life, to be able to breathe in and out, unaided….that is a gift that should never be taken lightly.

My friend gave me a hot serving of the truth…and those words have echoed in my heart since then. I have no reason to give up when truly someone somewhere is wishing they could have my life. That obviously means I am more blessed than I realize.

I learned a valuable lesson in all this...a lesson I believe will help you too. There are three ways I believe one can find strength and peace in moments of weakness: 1. Count your blessings. Take time to reflect on your life and you’d be amazed at how faithful God has been to you. 2. Maintain an attitude of thanksgiving inspite of your circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Realize that no matter how bad things are, someone is going through something much worse. Be grateful always. 3. Our faith must be tried and tested before it can be trusted. James 1:2-4 says: “…count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. "

If you can endure till the end, you will come out better.

What's your purpose?

Most people who are succeeding in their life’s purpose today didn’t know what that purpose was from the get-go. Not everyone is like Joseph in the Bible who dreamt of his purpose years before it came to pass. Most people stumbled into theirs either through decisions they took or an experience which they had no prior knowledge of or any control over. Mistakes and sin can lead you to your purpose when you repent and hand your life over to God. Saul for instance, didn’t know His purpose was to preach Jesus in the same places where He persecuted those who worshipped Jesus.

When you find what you are passionate about…there you will find your purpose. Your passion is what you can do effortlessly, tirelessly...whether you get paid for it or not. It is what you enjoy doing…what gives you joy and peace. One major thing about purpose is that you do not struggle in it. When you are functioning in your area of natural ability…there is a grace that comes with it. Your ultimate goal should be to make your purpose your full-time job.

I wanted to become a doctor from when I was in high school. I studied Biological Sciences in the University as a result. However, during a self-prescribed year-long holiday after my graduation, I began to realize that I wasn’t really passionate about studying medicine. Could I have become a doctor? Yes…I was smart enough and did well in the required subjects. Would I have been fulfilled if I had become one? Based on what I know now, I’d say "definitely not!" There were moments where I would sit and regret my decision not to pursue a career in medicine…I’m sure we all go through moments like that. However, I have realized that I cannot maximize my potential if I am not doing what I am passionate about.

This is meant to motivate someone. See your purpose as part of the light that you carry. Don't hide that light under a bushel.

If you know what your purpose is…you must not give up on it. Take baby steps before you begin to take giant strides. If it lies in music…join your church choir, take voice lessons to improve your vocal skills. If writing is your thing, you can begin by starting a blog…you never know who would be encouraged by your words or which big-time publisher could stumble on your work and approach you to publish a book. Maybe like me, you didn’t study what you actually should have, in school. Well, it is not too late…you can get another degree.  If you’re about to enter the University, don’t think in terms of what degree will bring you quick cash…money doesn’t equate contentment and fulfillment. Ask yourself “what subject am I really passionate about?” Realize that you only have one chance to live on earth…don’t waste it doing what your heart isn’t committed to. You made mistakes? Well, God is a God of second chances, thirds, fourths...you can always begin again in Him.

Maybe you're already doing what you love but the rewards don’t seem to be coming. Let me still encourage you – don’t give up. Keep working at it…be innovative…strive for excellence. Believe in that purpose. Above all, keep God at the center of it. Use your purpose to glorify Him. Be faithful and steadfast and God will bless the work of your hands. Remember that God rewards faithfulness. Read the parable of the talents in Matthew 25.

If you haven’t discovered your purpose…do not be anxious. Rather ask God to reveal it to you. That’s what I did and it worked for me…it will work for you too as God is no respecter of persons. Get close to God and He will show you what He has placed you on earth to do.

Rephrasing a quote from the late Myles Munroe…the greatest tragedy is a life without purpose.

 

 

 

 

Ebola is our fight, Africa...Wake up!

Since the recent spread of the Ebola disease to America, there have been a lot of attacks on the American government in particular and the Western world in general for not acting on time to help contain further spread of the deadly disease. While I too had made similar statements in the past…I began thinking a lot about this Ebola outbreak today and I can’t help but ask: what have our African presidents, governments, doctors, scientists, and even charity organizations really contributed to the Ebola fight?

In Liberia and Sierra Leone, there are Western doctors, nurses, humanitarian workers and other personnel on ground, treating and caring for the sick. Every day, they put their own lives on the line in the process. Do we forget that the very first non-Africans who contracted the disease were two American doctors who went to Liberia to extend a helping-hand to the sick? They didn’t have to, but they chose to. A few weeks ago, I read that Cuba sent a plane load of personnel including doctors to the region. Cuba isn't even considered part of the Western world, is it?...dunno much about geography. Britain has joined the cause too.

A couple of days ago, Obama announced that troops are being sent to Liberia including a team of engineers etc to help build treatment facilities in the area.  Well meaning non-Africans have recently donated millions of dollars to help fund research for possible cures notably Mark Zuckerberg and I think Bill Gates did too. Even the news we receive about the disease is primarily from Western media.  Some of their journalists have gone to the towns/villages where the outbreak is heaviest to bring us stories, at the risk of getting infected. How many of our own reporters are doing this?

I truly believe the West has done its best and…we must give them the credit deserved. If we feel they haven’t done enough, I can’t imagine what they must think of our own governments’ contribution, or lack thereof.

Nigeria was recently lauded for successfully containing the virus in the country. While this is a great feat for the nation, I must ask: what offer of help did our government extend to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea? I haven’t heard or read of any. Let's lay aside the fact that Ebola spread to Nigeria via a Liberian. Same happened in America but they've nonetheless extended a helping-hand to that country to tackle the disease.

I believe that there’s so much Nigeria and other African countries can do. Those countries not affected could send doctors/nurses to the area, or send supplies of protective gear and gloves for the personnel…surely they must need a huge supply of these. How about sending them supplies of Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) solution which is what is given to Ebola patients. Reports have it that about 83 new Ebola cases are recorded in Liberia every other day (or so)…so I’m guessing hospitals there might likely not have enough ORT to go round. African governments/scientists can unite and setup research centers where studies can be done to find a possible cure. In Liberia, there is a growing shortage of food due to the closure of its borders...the country imports most of its food. Some other African countries could decide to fly in food supplies to help those in need. No aid would be deemed too small in times like these.

What about our wealthy business men/women/pastors/churches? How about our corrupt politicians who have millions of stolen money sitting pretty in their bank accounts. What donations to the cause are all these making? If any, why isn’t it being made known to the world?

Oh and what have you and I done?
You may think there’s nothing you can do…but there is always something. You can decide to give financial support to any charity you know is directly working in the affected areas. Infact, I'll do some findings/research about that and see if I too can contribute...no matter how small. If not this, you can do something that won’t cost anything but a bit of your time: you can pray. You can pray for the people caring for the Ebola patients; they need God’s strength and protection. You can pray for those who have lost loved ones to the disease: children who are now orphans, women who are now widows, men who are left with babies to care for because their wives are dead. Pray for God’s comfort, succor, and peace to help them go on without those they love. Prayer changes things. Every prayer counts. That's the least we all can do.

The harsh truth is that if as a continent, we don't seem to care for our own people, why should we even expect the rest of the world to respond quickly to us? Let's stop castigating the West.

Ebola is our fight, Africa...wake up!!

I think I’ve said enough!!!

I’m off to Google to make those findings I stated earlier. I’ll keep you posted!!

 

 

 

 

Choose your spouse for you…not for others

Decisions! Decisions!! Decisions!!! Everything in life borders on making decisions. Whether its choosing what schools to attend, where to work,  what clothes to wear, our diet habits, friendships,  business partners etc. 

One of the most important life decisions we are faced with has to do with choosing a spouse. Marriage is serious business...and who you marry will either make or break you…for the rest of your life! Your spouse will either be your destiny helper or your destiny destroyer. Marriage will either propel you to fulfill your dreams, or turn them into a nightmare. You therefore shouldn't marry just any one.  More importantly, you shouldn’t choose to marry someone because someone else thinks he/she is right for you. The decision of who to marry is one that you should make for yourself (not for others) and for your own happiness and peace of mind. Afterall, you will not share your marital relationship with people, so you shouldn't make your choice based on who people think is right for you. Not even your parents or siblings. This might sound unrealistic, but it couldn't be farther from the truth. The Bible states that “a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one….” So while receiving your parents’ blessing matters in marriage, even they won’t live it out for you.  When you marry, you will leave them and start a new life with your spouse. It is therefore wrong for parents to pick a spouse for their children. No God-fearing, God-loving parent(s) should. Rather, they should continually pray that their children find the right one when the time is right.  The prayer of a loving parent is powerful. That's by the way...


If you are adult enough to be thinking about marriage, then it means you know who you are, and what you can or can't handle in a relationship. You know what makes you tick or ticked-off. You know what you can live with, what you can’t live with and what you can't live without. You know your weaknesses and strengths. (If you haven't yet come to know yourself, then you aren't really ready for marriage...in my opinion. You may need to wait a bit more, and get to know yourself better).

People who think they know who/what is right for you don't really know. They can only perceive, assume and judge...but they don't really know. They are standing on the outside, looking in. They are limited as to what they can see. So they shouldn't be the force that propels your choice as concerns marriage. You shouldn't let them be your decision maker about your life-partner. When the chips are down, a relationship is between the two people involved...they are the ones who would wear the shoe. And as the saying goes, “it is the wearer of the shoe who knows where it pinches.”

Hence, deciding to marry a particular person because someone else thinks he/she is right for you isn't something you should even think of doing. Moreso, not if you truly believe that God has created a life-partner for you just as He MADE Eve for Adam and vice-versa. And you should believe this, if you believe everything else God says. The fact is: somewhere, there is someone whose personality, character, attitude, values, dreams and purpose will be a proper complement to yours. And that is who you should desire to marry.

If you believe you are ready to settle down, you should first pray that you find and meet Mr. or Ms. Right. Note that I didn't say Mr. or Ms. Perfect. Right doesn't mean perfect. Right means good for you.  Perfect doesn't exist...not in this world.

And don't just pray. Believe in what you prayed for, and then desire what you prayed for. And believe that God shall grant your heart desires. Because He promised to do just that...and He shall.

Choose your spouse for you…not for others.