Universal Size Gift

Gifts are anticipated items during celebrations or rewards for excellent performance. The Christmas season is one of such festive periods when love is expressed as gifts between families, friends, neighbours, colleagues, brethren etc.
Amongst the family, its often from the parents or elders to children or juniors respectively, of course the reverse is also obtainable.

In a particular family, the father is the type who never fails to pickup stuffs for the children during Christmas. Of course like every other kids, the children at some occasion will complain of the size. And the joy of the parent will always be that the kids appreciate the gifts else both parties doesn’t see it as a perfect gift.

A certain Christmas eve, while the father returns home with gifts as usual on surprise, he quickly evoke to mind the incidence between him and the kids some years back and he got worried a bit ” I hope its a perfect size?”. Fortunately for him, the kids wants to surprise both parent too.
After distributing each item to the intended owner, at a glance to their beauty and tailor made size, the kids joyfully exclaimed ” we got you a surprise tooooooooo! “.
Flabbergasted and overwhelmed as he looked, seeing the packed gift, he bleated within him at first ” I’m I sure its gonna size me?”. At a second glance, he couldn’t hold his doubt within him anymore but this time spoke outrightly for himself and the wife, ” this gifts doesn’t look our size”.
Frankly, the item look so small that the father assumed they must have return one of the gift items to him. But it doesn’t really look like one of the items he got for them yet he doubted. But the kids being happy for surprising their parents this time, shouted in unison ” its a universal size”.

He had again imagined what the kids meant by universal size and in awe he looked at the wife and asked ” do they mean, a size fit all?”
Well, that sounds mysterious, how possible could that be??
Of what quality, design and measurement must it be, to suit everyone with different body size? That’s impossible, the wife shouted out this time.
Then one the kids told them, simply believe, put it on and check it out yourself.

And that  quickly reminds me of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in Jhn 3:15.
At God’s instruction to Moses, only those who looks to the lifted serpent are gonna be healed, so is everyone who believes in Christ, accept Him and live for Him.
Christ is the Universal Size Gift from God to mankind.

How He’s gonna redeem you shouldn’t be your troubles.                            It doesn’t matter who you’re.
It doesn’t matter what tribe you belong.
It doesn’t matter the magnitude of the atrocities you’ve committed.
Simply believe in Him as the Only Redeemer from God, make up your mind and accept Him and live for Him.                                                        For God loved the world so much that He traded His Only son who is far greater than the whole universe put together, yet He came as man, that anyone who believes in Him, will not perish but have eternal life- John 3:16

He’s not for the poor or marginalized alone.
He’s not just for the rich and famous either, else some wouldn’t qualify; but He came for everyone , for All, regardless of status, social standing, financial situation etc cos He’s the Only gift truly fit and perfect for All.

Merry Christmas.
Christ is the reason for the season.

Shalom!

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The Perfect Gift

Generally speaking, human loves appreciation which is an attribute of the creator. In addition we prefer rewards or expect the appreciation in kind or cash, there and then some understands better the essence else, the word ‘ Thank you’ is not different from a known slang. When most people reply your vocal appreciation with “Don’t mention”, they’re indirectly telling you; ‘ I don’t need that’.

Well, that’s on a jovial part.

Out of several beautiful gift items, if you’re given opportunity to pick just one, there will always be a perfect one amongst them. Now the attribute of uniqueness may depend on several characteristics and will certainly differ both to the giver & the recipient or even a third party.
But then there’s/are uniqueness found in one that may generally be accepted by all.

Of all gifts God has given and still gives to humanity, Christ remains the one and perfect gift from God. Yet God still gives us many more gifts which some may attach excess importance to and think its the best.
From wealth to children, from wisdom to skills & talents, from mercies and grace to life and other unquantifiable gifts God has bestowed, Christ is still the unique one.

Alternatively if we were to offer to God a gift of all He gave us, which becomes the perfect gift?
Every good and perfect gift comes from God above- James 1:17.
Of all the crops of the farm land, God only demanded of the first fruit reason best known to Him. – Ex 23.

Giving any of the gifts received back to Him, wouldn’t mean they’re perfect, remember the uniqueness for perfection must be bidirectional or multidirectional – pleasing to God, us and/others.
Paul admonished the Roman brethren, “I beseech to present yourself as a living & holy sacrifice, that which is acceptable to God.” – Rom 12.
In other to present an acceptable gift of ourselves requires transforming our minds, changing our reasoning, thoughts and that’s Only possible when your mind is willing and ready to accept Christ into your life and the Holy Spirit is realised to initiate and control your thoughts & reasoning.
There’s no other gift perfect enough to give God other than that we have received from Him- your Life.
What have you that you’ve not received from God?

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The Briefness in Seconds

I began to imagine the length of time that must have elapsed while trying to structure a caption for this write up.
Of course you may probably be able to estimate how long it must have taken to put down the work itself. How long it took you to do a certain job, drive a particular distance to catch up an appointment. How long you've worked for an organization. How long you've been delayed of getting something you need. And how long you've spent in your entire life etc.

We're so engulfed by the activities of life and our goals, that the only period we remember to check our time, we consider just the time spent.
Its only when we're set on time, that our subconscious may remind us of the time on target.
Just very few people may recall to set target time for a duty, activity or goal. Yet even less number amongst the above may recall that their entire life is set to time.
Like an athlete, everyone's time counts at the same pace not withstanding your rate of motion- whether you're crawling, walking, jogging or racing. Not withstanding your milieu, position, circumstance etc.

When athletes are on race line, every good athlete consider most importantly their time-left even though they had no opportunity to do so for a microseconds yet they observe their partners while running to make sure they take the prize. That's the benefit of understanding how important the time is.                                                                              And I grab David's mindset when he asked fourwisdom to number our days.
 

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." - Pslm 90:12.

Colting and his team discovered and launched a wrist watch called Tikker- a programmable countdown watch also called deathwatch in 2014. Whatever was his aim discovering it may/may not be relevant but life is critical and time is valuable. In order to make most use of our time to ensure our life counts, the Tikker is valuable to count down for you.

Aside knowing the worth of time to meet our ambitions for earthly goals(perishable wealths), remembering our entire life is limited here on earth is eternal. This will actually help us ensure each moments of our life counts in order to leave the earth with a lasting footprints and legacy & live for/in eternity.
Your understanding of time tells you what is done and needs to be done.
Procrastination results due to the feelings of excess time left for us do whatever we need to do even those that needs to be done right now. And the Paul reminds us;

           "Besides this you know what [a critical] hour this is, how it is high time now for you to wake up out of your sleep (rouse to reality). For salvation (final deliverance) is nearer to us now than when we first believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Christ, the Messiah)" Rom 13:11

"And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment" 1Chron 12:32

Whether you accept it or not, our time on earth is limited and it slips so rapidly that those who thought they have years, months, days, hours or seconds will understand too soon how brief even the seconds left for them is.
 Nothing else would have prompted David to be mindful of his words, actions etc except his realisation of his numbered days on earth, the fruitfulness/ wastefulness in his past days, how to make amends if need be and then he wrote;

“Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. Psm 39:3ff

Until we bear this in mind, we will never understand our lives are but a breath, that everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secured.
“Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be, some without the glory after life here on earth.
No matter where you're, who you're, how fast your time has slipped; "Now is the time to seek God's power help to us become who He wants us to be."                                         Finding hope in the eternal God is the Only means to give meaning to our life even if our Tikker reads 00:00:00:00:00:01 now.
 

Christ is the ONLY means to the Father and the time to live for Jesus is now.
Shalom!


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The Masquerade, Masquerader & the Spectator

One may begin to wonder why such a topic.   
Issues as such are always considered with levity and its effect has eaten so deep into many individuals some Christains inclusive.

I pray God to enlighten the eyes of your understanding to take this as serious as it is even more than I can depict. 
Masquerade is seen by most persons as cultural artifacts that depicts traditions of different tribes especially in Nigeria where each clan of a community desire (if possible) to speak a different language, have their cultures etc.
Most often we’re told to see it as an ordinary play. But believe me, that’s not true.

Masquerades are spirit of some deities believed to have made ‘significant importance’ in a certain clan, community, tribe or land some decades or centuries ago. These fact which are real fallacy, do not have proof yet most persons are truly ignorant of it and will foolishly believe and accept such facts.
The spiritism of masquerade in most cases actually begins with the artist who can transform or transfer the physical image of the deity to any material; wood, basket, metal, plastic etc. 

He does not only show his artistry by spending time to ensure he carve, brush and pain out every bit of art in resemblance of the deity but he goes ahead making libations and incantations on the image molded or carved, requesting (whether on demand or not) the spirit of the deity to envelope that artifact such that whoever carries it for display, behave and demonstrate every attribute of the deity.

Aside this, the masquerader do not just display without similar incantations made to bring the spirit of the deity on the individual. In most cases, the individual may need to isolate himself/herself for days, weeks or more in other to be engrossed completely by the spirit of the deity as such you’ll begin to wonder in most display, if actually the masquerade is worn by a human or not.

Some of these spirits are outcast from some communities and the image representing it, is thrown away. There are cases of individuals picking these images(on water, land etc) along with the spirit to their home or communities ignorantly yoking themselves and others to the deity they know nothing or very little about.   

Spirits certainly will look for a being to indwell. They rarely survive alone for a long period of time.
When Jesus Christ was to healed the Legion- possessed man, by casting out the evil spirits in him; the spirits pleaded not to be cast distanced but requesting to indwell the herds of pigs around (Mk 5:1ff).

When you make yourself available as a mean for a deity to display or manifest itself, you’re ignorantly yoking yourself & others with the deity whether you chose to display for the purpose of culture or entertainment, with/without libations & incantations made in your presence. And everything about you, your destiny as well is controlled by the deity.
On the other hand, you may not desire to display or demonstrate the dance of a masquerade but always willing to entertain yourself by their display. 

Peradventure God decides to save the soul enslaved by the deity, the spirit of the deity will certainly be cast out(if not sent for destruction), of course it will not roam for long but may chose to indwell any vacant space around and God forbid you’re chosen.

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Purpose in Routine

The tick-tock sound of a clock is such a routine the clock perform which is quite boring to observe by so many. Of course I need not tell you how relevant it is both to the clock and the user.

Does the importance then negate the stress of performing such routine?

Well that question may well be answered if the clock is were human or you could place yourself under a strict observation of the tick-tock probably just for an hour. It’s time consuming right? But I wish you can attempt it, perhaps you may understand time management when you realise that every moment wasted, even the clock was at work.

That aside. The purpose of the clock isn't the tick-tock, but to give time at strategic moments( probably in hours or minutes as the case may be) but that isn’t possible without the routine. Thus the goal is kept in view whilst performing the routine. 

There’s no goal achieved easily. If it comes so easy, check it and find it ingenue. While we set our goal(s), we carry out other “minute” task(s) to assist us reach the goal. In some cases the task may look too big and eventually become a goal for some. While others do not loose focus whether the goal or task looks bigger or smaller and vice versa.

No matter the frequency of the task, the surrounding circumstances, value that may be lost, or even criticism, may become distractions to us but keeping our purpose in view help us actualise it.

Paul’s frequent travelling, preaching could have seem a routine. He must have said to himself, ‘I have to do it, I have to go there else, some may feel I’m un-serious’. That wasn’t his driver though, cos he got his eyes, his mind and his whole fixed on the purpose and in Christ  hence he never loosed focus.

…when I am with the Jews or the Gentiles, I become one like them even though I am not subject to their law, I fit in as much as I can and gain their confidence; so that I can bring them to Christ. But I do not discard the law of Christ. With those oppressed, I share their oppression and find common ground so to bring them to Christ.

…I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I Corinth 9:20-26

The distractions of life both to our spiritual and physical goal are too numerous, some reoccurring over several number of times. Keeping our eyes in Christ while performing our routine task(s) is the Only possible means of achieving our purpose.

You’ve got dreams? Keep them in view, work harder and stick to Christ. You’ve got none?? It isn’t late to do so and follow suit.

Start it now.

Gdaftn,Gdeven,Gdmrn.

My Way

Having good retentive memory is an asset everyone admire so much not just the academia. Let's not talk about the intuitive wisdom people regard as 'Common Sense' which I can't tell how common it is,  yet a lot of people lack it.
With this great asset, we quickly recall past events and probably learn lesson from them or model our circumstances to suite same.
Does that mean because we experienced a circumstances last in a particular way,  it will still repeat itself exactly the same way??
 Well, you may answer for yourself now or later.

 Life experiences are OK but they tend to deceive us most times or make us rely on them every now and then, failing to adventure.
When this goes on and on and on,  even our subconscious mind seem to adapt to a particular method, become stereotyped and rigid or brassbound.
The result is, we view things Only from one perspective and that way becomes Our Way, My Way.

Even regimented Soldiers are flexible to some extend, then I wonder what type of Soldier/military experience Naaman must have undergone.
Being a commander, he has led wars and won battles probably by his own way but never forgot his incurable/undefeatable internal war.
He was desperate for its cure/defeat but maybe felt or expected it won his way too.

vs9 So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stopped at Elisha’s door.

vs10 Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, Go and wash in the Jordan seven tibmes, and your flesh shall be restored and you shall be clean.

vs11 But Naaman was angry and went away
 and said, Behold, I thought he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and heal the leper.

vs12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? May I not wash in them and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.

vs13 And his servants came near and said to him, My father, if the prophet had bid you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much rather, then, when he says to you, Wash and be clean? 2Kngs 5: 9-13

Just like Naaman, we've lost a lot because Our Way causes us go with pride,  expect God come to us instead of us going to Him. Our Way cause us make our choice rather than God choosing for us, suggest for God or even tell Him 'Don't worry,  I'll do it my Way' even in desperation. Ah!
Such mind is often conditioned a certain way with expectations from God even after our prayers.
And anything outside the way we expects(Our Way), we simply tell ourselves 'it's not it and can never be it'.

Our Way can never give us anything better than God's Way. His Way is the very Best thus, let's ask for a humble heart to seek and accept His way and not our.

...read more. When God changes His Way for silence...

http//:www.natholaderowli@wordpress.com

The True Story

 Past events of life that happened either few hours or decades and century ago are so recountable, in fact most cases recorded or engraved as sculptures for future purposes.
The nature of the record depending on the magnitude and significance of the event for the future.
 But one questionable things about such encoded significant events is it's accuracy of record. The details of the event may not be clear to one witness thus, some level of addendum may be necessary for spicing to any good author.

 Sometimes a story is told by a witness and recounted by many to suite them or probably told and some facts left out.

 A child once asked the dad, "Why did Jesus had to die on the Cross? " The man went on to explain how sin ruined the plan of God and how Jesus came in to redeem mankind by dying on the cross but...
 That story wasn't complete you know cos that child had a serious argument with his friends when he quickly hurried out to brief them about Jesus Christ. The friend argued, but 'Jesus isn't dead'( but died and rose again - an aspect of the story his father left him blind).
Of course he(the child)  went back home angry with his father who now sat him down and narrated the Whole(True) story.
 Similar thing happened when the Ethiopian Eunuch returned from the place of worship with doubt of the scriptures proclaimed. Thanks to God for His sovereignty knowing the degree of the effect of such doubt and immediately sent Philip to expatiate the word for him and get him saved.

 The Salvation of humanity through The Death/Crucifixion, The Burial, The Resurrection, The Ascension  and Return of Christ still remain the ONLY True Story ever told years far back and today is been passed across the universe. Don't expect any other with 100% accuracy, cos there can't be any other of its kind, so when we tell others of the True Story, let's narrate it as exact, precise and accurate as it is without any addendum.

 "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll".  Rev. 22:18-19

 Tell the Only True Story as exact, precise,  accurate and veracious as it is.
 Jesus Christ is still the ONLY Way. God bless you.

.

http//:www.natholaderowli@wordpress.com

In the Same Boat

 These were the conversation between me and a very close friend.

Me: We will be travelling home next week.
Friend: I will go with you people he responded.
Me: Hope you know we're from the riverine and will cross water to get home?
Friend: Yes, I will still go with you people na. At least you're there.
Me: Hmmmmm! OK oooooo.

 I had wondered what ran across his mind when he felt my presence was as better as a safe haven. And then I smiled and said in my heart, do you think I'm God?

 We were on a trip in a speed boat across the ocean. At first, it was a thug of war to board the vehicle for departure, and then when the rest of the family had done so; leaving him alone on land and no available land vehicle to convey him back to our setoff home, he was left with no option but to board the boat.
 At takeoff, it was as if the movement was to hell and he gripped me like a parasitic plant on a tree. Please calm down. Nothing negative is gonna happen to us, I whispered.
Can't you see the vehicle is on water already, how are you sure?? He questioned. And I kept mute.
While the engine gained its full speed and gave a dynamic balance to the boat, it became a journey in the air. After about an hour or more, the engine propeller encountered an obstruction and that hampered the easy 'flight' cruise. This time, the land or trees were far beyond human sight, the water was almost at same level with the boat top. Then words cannot describe/define the level of gripping, the distraction was enough to make the driver loose sight as water splashed into the boat as a result of imbalance.

 As the driver made effort and removed the object and the engine again gradually picking to full speed/maximum power, more water splashed in and then he screamed '' Did God ask you and your family to lead me to my grave??''
 Ah! Alas! Now, you can be sure that I am not God - I whispered again.
 Then I quickly remembered the disciples encounter on the Lake of Galilee. Had Jesus been absent with them, what would be their reaction?
 Well, if this brother were one of the disciples too, what would be his own response??

 Life's problems are so numerous, challenging and unpredictable that their emergent striking seem to sweep-off our faith and trust in God and sweep-in fears into us leaving us wretched, without hope but to grab any trash around us as safe haven. In most cases, we don't even recognise Jesus' presence with us in the same situation just like the disciples did. We easily forget nor confess His assuring wordsyou go through the deep waters and great troubles, I am with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not be drowned! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord your God..." Isa 43:2,3a He will give His angel strick charge to protect you wherever you go...... Pslm 91:11ff

Whether the storms of life quickly blow over us or last for a longer time, we can be confident that we are in the same boat with the One whom even the winds and the sea obey - Cindy Kasper.

His silence aim to bring us out better and greater. No danger is so near the Christian that God is not nearer. Be encouraged even in your present situation.

Prayer:

HeavenHeavenlyr, this life is full of uncertainty. But you've promised us Your unfailing love and presence. May we see you today especially when the storm rages and we are tempted to panic or to do things with our own strength. Shalom!

PURPOSEFUL LIVING

Had a baby born immediately into the world able to speak reasonable and interpret confidently, some mystery wouldn't have been. Perhaps every child and individual may follow life gradually with God's guidance and making reference to whatever he/she saw or hears when brought forth into the world.

 Thus, I don't even know where life begins for an individual, whether at adolescent ( for few) or full grown dependent individual. 

In both cases, it is clear that every individual is guided by two basic principles/decisions of life: morals inculcated by patents, elders, loved ones, mentors etc and personal decision. 

Whichever the case may be, it is true and clear also that a good or bad life revolves around a ' Purpose '. Permit me lay emphasis Only on the former( good life). If you can claim ' valid ' reasons behind your bad life- OYO( On Your Own)

Now the questions comes: 

What's a good life?

 What's a purpose?? 

I may not be able to define good life comprehensively but I will attempt to explain purpose for a guide or direction to our destination. 

 Purpose - a valid reason behind every decision taken in life as a whole.

 Thus there exist a reason for our momentary decisions. 

Each of which make up our purpose. It then imply that a purpose should be known before these decisions are made or extreme carefulness Must be taken when making these decisions. Remember, these decisions can be based on morals acquired or personal intuition, and both tends to be centred also on the changes in the world. 

 All these may refer only to minor issues but looking at it holistically - purpose in life, purpose on earth. What's it?? 

 Through birth to maturity stage, man's purpose seem to revolves around such things as: 

 * good education, 

 ** good job,

 *** exotic cars or fleets, 

 **** mansions, 

 ***** good wife/ husband 

****** lovely kids 

******* thriving business, 

 ******** wealthiest man/ woman on earth, or **********others as may be found in: 

>physiological, 

 >>safety, 

 >>>social,

 >>>>esteem needs, 

>>>>>self actualization and others if not inclusive.

 Well, others would desire that after all these, they make positive impacts, touch lives and depart the earth leaving a stamped footprint for others to follow and a remarkable legacy to be remembered in centuries or even millennium ahead. What else is to life after All these?? 

But there comes those who with/without all these, would seek to know and understand vividly and fulfil God's purpose for them. Such is a well lived life, for without God(Trinity) Everything( Life on earth) both Eternity is Futile. 

 We were carried into the world and will be carried out. 

 We brought nothing into the world and will go with nothing. 

 What will be of your life after here on earth? 

Eternity Call

 #Reflection#

Joy or Happiness

Finding joy & happiness in any circumstances(good
or ugly) are two good wishes of life people expect.

Do they(joy & happiness) really differ??. Though synonymous and interchangeable and often used relative to
positive outcome of set goals.

If you ask me, I think they are not same but that doesn't mean even though one is preferred
nulls the other.
Am not really here to quote the dictionary definition of both nor give a list of the distinguishing
features or difference between them but a vivid explanation in my perspective.

What do you call Joy??
What do you call Happiness??
Which do you prefer??

For me, I will rather prefer one cos its supersedes the other - Joy. That does not null happiness like I said neither does it mean it is wrong to be
happy.

As numerous as humanity and individual goals, so are their belief system.
There are people who set any goal and aim the result give them desired pleasure without
minding the effect on the other, there are also those who set goals that gives them pleasure as
well as the second party, yet there are those who set goals that must first give God pleasure as
well as the other two parties.

People can set goals or targets that are 'positive'( brings the desired outcome) to them yet
displeasing or negative to others. In all ramification, they are happy so long as set goal is
achieved but that pleasure cannot be joy.
Joy as pleasure derived from success in set goal(s) ONLY come when set goals does not only give
God pleasure but is approved by Him and for Him.

The difference is here.
Am not anyway found in the first two categories. What about you???.....
Anyway, if you're yet to grab it; I hope it will be clear here.

Joy and Happiness, Joy or Happiness.
What's the difference??
Joy comes as a result of
being at peace with God thus, everybody don't have Joy.
Happiness is general;
anyone who find pleasure in life's circumstance can
be happy even a thief, a murderer, a prostitute, a masterminds, name it.

Unlike happiness, Joy(The
Peace of God) is associated with standing right in
God( Rom 5:1).

You can trust God in overwhelming challenges of life expecting His peace in such situation without knowing Him.

Knowing Him means confessing and accepting Him(Christ) as Lord and Saviour of the world. Rom. 10:9-10, Act 4:11-12.

Are you facing life's unbearable challenges?
Does life's struggles weigh you down??
Have you been tossed about by the storms of life???
What circumstance is it????
Are you deserted by acquaintance and family?????
Do you seem to fail in every effort??????

Is your situation like ' I wish there will be a turnaround the next seconds ' ???????
Finally, are you standing right with God????????
Then
check deep within and find the Joy & Peace of God
else pursue God and find Him.

God will restore indeed the Joy of your Salvation.
Peace!

Determination

Humans are at all stage of life filled with visions to achieve. If you come across 20people along the way, by interview 19 if not all will give you at least one vision they carry in heart. The question is, how many of these visions will come to limelight???

The events of life unfolds in every moment, and none can specifically say with all boldness and accuracy that in this or that period, I will be here and it turns out perfectly.

This means our environment, circumstances even visions( for some individuals) are bound to change. What differentiates two individuals with same goal and circumstance is their determination to achieve that goal no matter what comes around.

Since life and circumstances around our immediate environment or vicinity may defer from that somewhere else.

It is expected that for survival, easy adaptation is important.

Does adaptation here then refer to loosing purpose? 

Does it imply picking every trash within the environment as goals( new or old)?? 

Does it then imply yielding to undue and unworthy persuasions???

Of course not. What matters most is living with purpose, expectations and without compromise not withstanding the ideology within that region( new environs).

Though the food and rewards were enticing, Daniel saw something far greater and chose not to settle with the less around him.

And Daniel made up his mind not to defile himself with any portion of the king's meal Dan. 1:8

Be a Possibiliterian- see possibility always.       Stay focused. 

It will be yours soon.

Gdmrn,Gdaftn,Gdeven

The Unwelcome Visitor

Knock! Knock!! Knock!!!

Ah! Knock, who could that be??

Those where the call (verbal or express) of a visitor and your response.
 Probably, a spy through the window may be more than enough to identify who the visitor is, especially in today's world of extreme security consciousness.

 On identification of the unwelcome visitor especially the case of a known mooch or freeloader would be war within us whether to accept or deny our availability; talk of responding expressively or even to opening the door.

 If eventually the visitor happen to be a symbiont, a different case of welcome is recognised. The door is opened quickly with expectations because the unwelcome visitor must have brought good news. Even if his coming is for request of something, sooner or later something good may also come from them.

But then, there's an unwelcome visitor, an intruder, invisible in nature; the effect of its presence in our life or situation is only felt after a while. Such visitor am sure, the word 'unwelcome' is inferior for its qualification but it comes to all at one stage of life or the other - trials, suffering or challenges.

 Just like the name imply, no one expect to or will open the door for such a visitor. Since its inevitable, what should be our response to it throughout the period of its stay?? Whether they're trials from God or situations resulting from our own mistakes, there are always lesson(s) to learn from it.
If they come from our mistakes, we need embrace it, the lesson should be learnt and the cause(s) should be avoided as much as possible.

And if they're from God, all we need do is embrace it joyfully, keep praying, learn the lesson while waiting patiently for God to relieve us. This is simply why James instructs, count it all joy whenever trouble come your way, let it be an opportunity for joy......

 These situations should test your faith, build your endurance and bring us out strong and better people. James 1:2-3. So whenever you see an unwelcome visitors, intruder (suffering, trials) in your home instead of panics and killing ourselves, please welcome them prayerfully, entertain them( not celebration), seek God's hand in them, learn from the situations they bring and become more wiser, stronger and greater than you were.
 Grace!

You're no Waste!

A water bearer had two large pots, one hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck.

One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water.

At the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, the cracked pot always arrived only half full.

For two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his master’s house.

Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, fulfilled in the design for which it was made.

But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was unable to accomplish what it had been made to do.

After two years of enduring this bitter shame, the pot spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. “I am ashamed of myself and I apologize to you.”

“Why?” asked the bearer. “What are you ashamed of?”

“I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the pot said.

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, “As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.”

Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and was cheered somewhat. But at the end of the trail, it still felt the old shame because it had leaked out half its load, and so again the pot apologized to the bearer for its failure.

The bearer said to the pot, “Did you not notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, and not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we’ve walked back from the stream, you’ve watered them.

For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house.”

Each of us has flaws. We’re all cracked pots.

But if you let these flaws shine and try being yourself, then you can use your flaws to make the world more beautiful.

Don’t be afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge them, and you, too, can bring something beautiful to this world.(cub from Dr. Carson)

Don’t look negatively at the flaws in you. Don’t listen t the destructive criticism about your flaws either.

You can Change the World!

Stunning Accessibility

Accessibility is a noun derived from its adjectival form accessible, meaning the easy to approach, reach, enter or speak with. Something's accessible if its obtainable or attainable, access can be gained.
By the definition, it connotes that, not everything is accessible.

 A simple illustration is the boarder crossing between countries. Your passport gives you accessibility into an alien country. Whether you wanna transact business within few minutes/hours or to reside permanently.That's on a broad note.
Now on a minor scale, if anyone desires to see the governor or president of his own state or country, a booking is necessary; an approval(recognised) Must be given within donkey days( if at all).
Thus, in the world, if any man assumes God's position today then accessibility will be extremely difficult if not impossible.

Now when we look at it in God's view, its absolutely the antonyms of the world's setting right from the creation of the world. God longed for fellowship with men, He created man and that purpose was achieved until sin sets in through the deception of Eve by the serpent.Gen 3
Man lost that grace and now require a passport or mediator to stand in the gap, probably bringing message or access-permission from God. Abrah, Moses, Joahua etc tried in their very best to fill this gap but there wasn't anyone perfect enough to please God's expectation.
But God is so rich in mercy and He loved us so much that even in a sinful state, He gave us life through the death and resurrection of Christ. Eph 2:4-5.
Through Christ we(believers) now have free-access to God without barriers, racial, gender or class discrimination etc.
Paul expantiate this clearer in 2Cor 5:19. " For God was in Christ reconciling(granting access again of) the world to Himself, no longer counting people's sins against them( rewarding us accordingly).

Ordinarily, with Christ - our passport, we should approach( go to) God whenever we choose, but Christ did not just grant us a free, timeless access but gave us an intimacy with God- His spirit now lives inside of us. Thus when our flesh is truly weak to approach God( go to Him, bring our needs and problems etc), His spirit already knowing what we need, makes a plea( speaks) for us. Rom 8:26
Such is an open access without permission or payment etc and everyone ought go for it.Eph 2:18

My Heart, My Life

The heart is one of the smallest, delicate and powerful organ in the human body but how often do we give it attention just like other body parts especially the skin that some people inject millions of dollars on( Women)?

One could argue and base his/ her reasons to the fact that it is hidden and cannot or never be seen by the owner, therefore may not know 

how the heart feels, look or react to other internal and external factors.

Whether you can have a physical view of it or not isn’t a factor that determines you knowing how it feels( emotions&responds) as well as what it receives and what it gives out.( we are living being)

It is so small but can absorb, carry and control even the world( both negatively and positively), thus; the question(What do you feed your heart with?)
When an object is thrown into the sky, no matter how far it goes and the length of time its spends there, it must surely return unchanged. Thus what you feed your heart is the same it gives out or even more.

(Three basic lessons or more to Learn here, just go further a bit?)

So many have yielded their heart to unspeakable things, words, advice, actions, teachings and philosophies.  Don’t be surprise cos it will eject the same food you fed it. No wonder Solomon will advice and I quote” Guard your heart with all diligence for out of it flows the issues of life- KJV” or “Above all else, guard your heart for it affects everything you do- NLT” – Prov.4:23 and Jesus said( paraphrased) ” Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks both good and evil” – Luk 6:45.

We all want to look good, attractive and admired( am sorry to say the ladies especially) but I think and am sure if you’re beautiful inside, certainly the outward beauty is covered or will surface one day, so why not make-up or make-down ( whichever positive) the heart too???????????????? 

Why not build up that heart of yours than your chest( guys)???????????????

(Three basic lessons or more to Learn here, why not just finish it?!)

Be careful of your thoughts for it may become your words and if you’re not careful of your words, they may become your action. If you don’t watch your actions, they may become your lifestyle and a lifestyle lived over years becomes your future.
Your personality and future are both products of what your heart was fed with.

Gdmrn, Gdaftn, Gdeve.

Use the Right Key for the Door

Imagine you having a bunch of key with several keys on it without specific identification to each, and returning from work one night after a hectic and busy day, so hungry, tied, phone battery gone down and no single light source around the neighbourhood. How do you open your door??????

On several occasions when we face one of life’s challenges or the other, we deliberately( sometimes unconsciously) choose to revolve around the problem simply because we aren’t applying the right remedy to it.

Yes, just as every other living being will react or respond to stimuli, so also we immediately want to respond to the challenge.

But let me ask, do you really think or you’re sure that every challenges of life has its own solution?

Though on several trials and errors, bugulary theft, one key may open other doors, but there’s always A KEY TO A DOOR. Why then do we use the wrong key even when the proper one is available??

We want to help ourselves, but first we try to help God to help us and we end up revolving around one problem or probably heaping other once on that particular one.

Everyone( Christians& non christian) know more than 60% of their problem cause but we aren’t courageous and determined enough to sort them one after the other and use the right key for each door. For example, challenges that requires fervent prayer, we end up using physical means trying to solve them and neglect the ones we ought to have solved by strength or effort.

Be it minor or major problem, there’s always a place you can sort it out and apply the right key  to open it- The Place of Prayer.
Not the words that tells people you're praying, but word said right within the heart whether in a noise -filled arena or solitude place with such faith as the Roman Soldiers. Jesus told the disciples ' even if your faith is as small as a muster seed, it can move great mountains'. 

There’s a master key to every problem both physical and spiritual -Jesus Christ. Just approach Him with a faith.

So let’s come boldly before the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in times of need.( Heb 4:16).

Use the RIGHT KEY from today.

Goodmrn, Goodaft, Goodeve.

God bless you.

When God's ways becomes silence. What's next??

Humans are rightly said to be higher animals but one trait we seem to have in consonants with the animals is the adaptation to a one way life, pattern or  experience.

When you teach an animal a trick, they expect same virtually always. Likewise when God relates with us a certain way(s), come to us through certain route over a long period of time, we seem to expect Him through that way or route always. Or, in His absence through that route; we could on a second thought expect another.

Just like Abraham if God fails(choose not) to come to us again in a soft voice, we could expect a long roar.

Or like Moses, we would expect a burning bush or His bright shining face if He refuses to appear like the pillar of fire by night or cloud by the day.

Again like Elijah, we could expect He reveals His wonders to the Baals or send the raven when in hunger.

Like Jacob, we may expect an angel or to find favour.

Yet if we were Christ Jesus we would expect a dove or an immediate response to our prayer.

The list goes on and you could even expect Him in the different ways He had showed up in your xircumstance or that you heard about others.

                  BUT…………..

            BUT………

      BUT……

BUT…

What if He chose silence as His means this time?

Would we still recognise His silent presence in the mist of those challenges??

…that rough & turbulent sea???

…that ‘ forsaken moments’ ????

I doubt if even David had remembered his songs of the Psalm:

I can never escape from your spirit! I can never get away from your presence!  If I go up to heaven, you’re there; if I go to the place of the dead, you’re there. If I ride in the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.                 I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night, even there I cannot hide from you because, to you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are both alike to you. Psalm 139:7ff

God’s silent presence is always with us. His presence is always with us even in the silent sea depth

May we be endued to recognise it always in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Shalom!