Relax, God's got 2017 figured out for you

Hi, welcome to 2017! Happy New Year to you and all that are yours!Excited as I am for the New Year? You should, because it's going to be your best year yet.And no, I'm not saying that just to make you feel good. Nah. I mean it and I believe it. It shall be your best year yet. You should believe it too regardless of what you see, or what the news reports say about 2017, or the projections of economic 'experts'. It shall be your best year yet!"...but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it" - Hebrews 4:2.

One last surprise awaits you!

There may only be a few days left to the end of 2016, the remaining few days translating to only some hours (it may seem), which appears to not be much time for something great to happen this year.

But trust me, and I really believe this, there's still, at least, one last surprise left for someone somewhere who is still holding on to God's promises!

There's still, at least, one last surprise for someone somewhere who still believes...for someone who hasn't drawn the curtain on the year, and say, "that's it for 2016"!

For when you feel like giving up || Becky Olorunpomi

It may surprise some, but Jesus actually almost gave up on dying for humanity...
As the time drew near for the fulfilment of His purpose on earth, He must have had a glimpse of the sorrow, suffering, pain and all of the sacrifice...and He almost gave up.
But thank God He did not! God encouraged and strengthened Him, and He went on to pay the ultimate price for us all.
Similarly, sometimes, we can come to a point in life where what lies ahead seems too daunting; we need not fear or dread, all we need is get into "Gethsemane" and draw some strength...Becky shares more insight with us in this wonderful piece...
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"And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground" (Luke 22:41-44).

Whenever I read this verse of Scriptures, I get amazed. And here's why....
If there ever was anyone in life who understood his purpose on earth perfectly, it was Jesus.

Don't draw the curtain just yet, a lot can still happen

Image source: jtcc.edu

"Is anything too hard for the Lord?" - Genesis 18:14.

As I begin to write this, time check is 6:23 am on Monday, December 12, 2016; and since there are 31 days in the month, it means that there are still 19 more days and about 18 hours remaining before the month and, by extension, the year runs out.

What does this mean? Let me break this down further...

Each of those remaining 19 days in 2016 has 24 hours in them, (including at least 12 hours in today, depending on when you read this)...right?

Now, that's 24 hours multiplied by 19 days, which gives you 456 hours.

Also, each hour in the 456 hours left in the year has 60 minutes, true?...that's 456 multiplied by 60 which gives us 27,360 minutes...

Should I go on breaking it down further?

Each minute in the 27,360 minutes has 60 seconds...that's 27,360 times 60; do the math, what do you get?

A whooping 1,641,600!

That's at least, One Million, Six Hundred and Forty One Thousand, Six Hundred seconds still left in the year...

What's the point of all this?
Who says 2016 is gone and nothing can still happen?
Who says it is over when the Lord hasn't said so?

Who says that thing you've been chasing and asking God for since the beginning of the year cannot happen within the remaining days of this year?



There's still time

If you ask me, there is still a lot of time for something great to happen for you this 2016. So, don't lose your hope just yet...

Don't back down just yet...
Don't give up just yet...
Don't draw the curtain on the year just yet...
Something great...scratch that...A LOT of great things can still happen for you this 2016...you just have to BELIEVE.

How do I know this?
Answer this: Is anything too hard for the Lord?

Zacchaeus was a man that sinned all his life, cheating others to enrich himself...until one day, yes ONE DAY, it all changed for him and his household. One day, HE ENCOUNTERED SALVATION, and EVERYTHING changed....from inside out. Just. One. Day. And we have 19 more days...

The Samaritan woman that Jesus met by the well in John 4 had, for the most of her life, been thirsty, lost, confused, lacking direction; she had had five husbands (that should be a record of some sort!) ...until one day she ENCOUNTERED THE LIVING WATER and EVERYTHING changed for her. ONE DAY. And we have 19 more...

Saul, who later became Paul and went on to write 13 (14 if you count Hebrews) books of the New Testament, was a Pharisee, a hater and great persecutor of Christians, a murderer until one day he ENCOUNTERED THE LIGHT FROM HEAVEN and EVERYTHING changed for him...

I could go on...

One day is enough for God to change EVERYTHING for you and your household... One day - 24 hours, 1,440 minutes, 86,400 seconds...that is a lot of time.

And we have 19 more days - 456 hours, 27,360 minutes, over 1.6 million seconds... That, my friends, is a lot of time for God to do a lot for you this year.

Don't draw the curtain on the year just yet...
Don't throw in the towel just yet...
Seek His face again, and draw strength for one final push...push with faith this time, and you'd surely see results.
Don't lose hope just yet, a lot can still happen this year.
I believe it for me. You should believe it for you

Is anything too hard for the Lord?

How to overcome temptation || Stella Ndukaife

How can you tell true gold from counterfeit? Subject it to a test? I think so, too. If you do not put it through a real test (that is, through fire), the gold could keep "parading" itself as authentic when it's only substandard.

Similarly, as God's children, we would be tested through trials and temptations...the great news however is that we can overcome every and any temptation we face.

Besides, our God has assured us that He would not allow us face temptations beyond the capacity He knows we have, and that even in the midst of the temptation, He'd provide an escape route...we indeed have nothing to dread, God's got us covered!

In this post by Stella Ifeoma Ndukaife (of Ella's Haven Blog), she shares with us how we can overcome temptations...
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ALL things, not only GOOD things, work together for your good || Becky Olorunpomi

One of the most important lessons I have learned in my walk with God is that He's got everything figured out. No matter how dark the night may seem, no matter how hopeless the situation appears, no matter how gloomy the future looks now, nothing takes Him by surprise. He's got it all figured out.

What that teaches is that regardless of the situation, our God can still turn it around and create something beautiful out of it, if we trust Him enough to relinquish control to Him.

In this post, Becky shares helpful insight from Romans 8:28, a Scripture many know well, but misunderstand to a point. It's a great read...enjoy
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“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). I’m sure you are familiar with that scripture...but let's dig into the text further, shall we?

Stop living like no one in the world cares about you!

Imagine for a moment that you know no one anywhere who cares about you, or about what you do or fail to do.
Imagine for a moment that you know regardless of what you do, no one feels hurt or pained, or even concerned about how you're living your life.
Imagine that for a moment...that no one anywhere thinks you've got any value, and that you're a complete write off; how would you live your life then?

4 levels of human existence; what level are you?

I have learned in life that though we may not have much say about the circumstances in which we are born; but we have all the say about the circumstances in which we live and die. It doesn't really matter in what circumstances you were born, you can rise above that level, if you choose to.

Granted, there are challenges that can keep us down, but as the Scripture tells us, God will not allow you have a burden you cannot bear, and even in that situation, He'll make a way of escape for you. There is, indeed, always a way.

That said, let's look at four levels in which humans live, as outlined by Zig Ziglar. Every one you know can be classified into one of these levels. As we go on, ask yourself: what level am I? And how do I move up the ladder? Because the higher up you are on the ladder, the more influential you will be. Here goes...4 levels of human existence

How to maximise the internet to help your walk with God (3)

Imagine being in the land of plenty, yet suffering lack; or having access to so much, yet it looks like you've got nothing!
That is what it can be like for a Christian if you can't find your way around online...how do I mean?

Live ready!

Image source: godstellations.com

Think about this: How do you ensure you do not miss a one-off event you do not know exactly when it will happen, but you're sure it will definitely happen?

What do you do to make sure you do not miss the only flight in six months to your destination when you don't know exactly the time it is scheduled to take off, and you're aware that it will take off without prior notice?

How does one manage this? How does one ensure he doesn't miss out on something he has no clue exactly when it will happen?

Who is a Christ-like youth and how can I become one?

Youth is a gift. A lovely gift from God that determines the course of one's life.

It's a great period of adventure in a man's life! It's that time in one's life when the mind is full of wonderful ideas, when the body is full of strength, and the heart full of motivation and passion to go on and accomplish great and mighty things which the world is yet to see.

It's that period in life when you should invest your time, talents and energy in worthwhile ventures, in pursuing your dreams and making lasting impact (and not just striving to make a living).

It's when mistakes from guided experimentation and calculated risks are allowed and are less fatal (as long as you learn from them and improve).

The most important thing I have learned in my walk with God

Image source: insidermonkey.com

Being in a relationship with God has got to be the best thing ever! Really! I can’t imagine anything better. Ever!

My walk with Him (officially) began in early 2012; that was when I got “serious” with God. I say “I got serious” because before then, my commitment to God had been a wishy-washy thing. (That’s what happens when you are not “serious” about something)

Looking back, I realise my being “not serious” with God was because I didn’t have personal knowledge of Him and I didn’t understand what it means to be in a relationship with Him.

How to maximise the internet to help your walk with God (2)

- 3 bloggers shares insights that will help you

Hi there and welcome to November! It's a great new month filled with opportunities! This month, don't be afraid to take those steps the Lord has been nudging you to...just spread your wings and soar like the eagle you are! Walk with God this month and beyond, and it shall end in praise.

Here's the second part of this post where your favourite Christian writers and bloggers share insights to help you maximise your time on the internet and use it to grow your spiritual life...plus, websites and blogs to find wonderful God-inspired, spirit-breathed content to nourish and enrich your soul and spirit.

How to maximise the internet to grow in your walk with God (1)

-3 bloggers share helpful, insightful tips

Picture this: you pick up your mobile or your PC, you go online searching for content that'll give you that spiritual boost that you require (and earnestly desire), but you can't just seem to find the right resources.

It seems the internet is saturated by content that pulls you down, rather than build, enrich, encourage, relief, strengthen, inspire, motivate and refresh you.

4 money habits that will (surely) land you in deep poverty

Habits are what define us. Good or bad. They are those things we do repeatedly and consistently, almost without noticing we do them, and have become part of us. Habit is more than just WHAT you do, but also HOW you do them.

We have habits in different core areas of our life - eating habits, reading habits, thinking habits, sleeping habits, work habits, and our focus for this discussion, money and spending habits - all of these and more together form character; and as you know, character determines destiny. A man's character determines where he ends up in life.

The beautiful story of my freedom: I am no longer enslaved

Once upon a time, there was a cry for blood; actually, it was a wailing...a wailing so intense that nothing could douse it...it was so intense that it caused great panic and chaos among the people, and brought untold destruction and evil upon the land.
Concerted efforts were made to douse it even if a little bit, but it was all to no avail...the wailing continued... blaring on...night and day...it was a wailing for my blood for the sins I had committed...

The one drug that can heal this sick world

If we're honest, we'd agree our world is broken and sick...and needs some healing.

Everywhere you look... Wherever you turn... In the news... In our neighbourhoods... In the pages of newspapers... On TV... On social media.... At our churches... At the office... You find evidence of this.

Our world is so sick that hate has become the norm, our actions exude so much hate and bitterness.

3 thoughts to help you maximise this week (and every other week)

Image source: lovethispic.com

Hi there! It's the beginning of a new week, the second in this joy-filled month of October 2016!
I'm hugely expectant of great and mighty things this October. Why, you ask? Well, my Father never has evil plans or thoughts for His children...His thoughts for us are always good...always! So be expectant! Be upbeat!
Remember, the mind has a magnetic pull, and attracts to us the things we think on the most...guard your thoughts!

To begin the new week and help us through it in God-like fashion (that is, excelling at all you do), I felt I'd share some profound thoughts with us. I believe these nuggets will help us maximise this week and every other week we may be gifted (life's a gift, you know). So, here goes...3 thoughts to help you maximise your week

Another way to look at our God's omnipotence

And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." - Exodus 3:13 (NKJV).


Image source: lovethispic.com

Our God is omnipotent (that's indisputable!), and that means He is all powerful. It is an appellation reserved for Him alone as no other being - whether in the heavenlies, on the earth or beneath the earth - can be referred to as "omnipotent"!

When we say our God is omnipotent, we generally mean He has the power to DO all things. And that's right! Absolutely. God certainly has the power/ability to DO all things.

How are you doing? Time for a spiritual check up

Hi there! How are you doing today? I just thought I should check up on you...


Image source: medq.co.uk

And no, I'm not asking about your psychological (or mental) state; and I'm definitely not asking about your physical welfare, no!
I'm referring particularly to the real you - your spirit. The real you is your spirit. Your body is merely a "tent" (as the Apostle Peter called it in 2 Peter 1:13,14) that must be "put off" when the time comes.

Running the race of faith (2): With singleness of mind

Hi there and welcome to October! Trust the new month met you well. I can imagine God's consistent faithfulness keeps you and your loved ones shining and winning all round! He never fails! It's by His grace we're still standing and still winning!

I'm so excited about the prospects of this month and beyond; I'm excited because I know God never keeps one for nothing, He has great things in store for us. Such things that eyes haven't seen nor ears heard! I'm sure of it! So regardless of what others say about some recession (by the way, those of us in Eden do not experience the so-called recession!), be hopeful, remain positive, and wear a smile that flows naturally (don't try to force it!) from a heart that is filled by God-birthed peace, joy and love.
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Moving on, we'd be concluding the two-part series on "running the race of faith" (anchor text: Hebrews 12:1-2) in this post by looking at a critical subject.

Running the race of faith (1): Shed the extra weight

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Hi there, I trust God has been consistently #faithful to you as He is to me! I figured; His #love for us is so intense! So deep!
Ok, this is going to be a two-part series of posts on "running the race of faith" (anchor Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2).
We'd be looking at the Scripture to learn what we need (and do not need) to "run with endurance the race that is set before us" (v. 1). This is part one of the series, subtitled: "shed the extra weight". I trust that God will help us as we learn what we need to run this race of faith successfully. Do enjoy...

Guest Post: Contentment || by Kolapo Tunmise

The subject of contentment is one that many misunderstand greatly, with differing views and arguments as to what it actually means. But, what is contentment? Should a Christian be contented with whatever he has, or should he strive for more? What exactly did Apostle Paul mean by being "content" in whatever state he was?
Great insight is provided into these questions and much more in this great piece by Kolapo Tunmise...


Image source: thesoundcloud.com

How and where do I start? Let me start by expressing my heartfelt appreciation to you for selecting me as a guest writer on your platform. Thanks a ton!

Now, to our discussion. The bible says to "be content with such things as you have" (Hebrews 13:5). Paul the Apostle could testify, "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content" (Philippians 4:11). And writing to Timothy, he stated, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content (1 Timothy 6:6-8).

What God's omnipresence means to me, and to you

The word 'omnipresence' means being present everywhere at the same time. It is an appellation reserved for God alone; He is the only one referred to as omnipresent.

Every other creature or being is limited by the constraints of time and space - but not God. He created time, but is not hindered by it; He created space, but is not hindered by it. He is omnipresent - everywhere, all the time.

If you can fall in love, why not fall in hate?

Image source: pexels.com

I'm sure you've heard people say "I fell in love" (or you've probably said it yourself), but have you ever heard anyone say "I fell in hate" when asked why they do not like someone? Why is that? Why do people only (according to them) "fall in love", but never "fall in hate"?

Are you fit for use? How to become fit for God's use

I watch a lot of football, I'm a huge enthusiast. Apart from the Gospel of Jesus, football is something I can easily blog about (I don't mean it would be "easy", this just implies that I really like it and it would flow quite seamlessly).

One reason I really like football, apart from its thrill and excitement, is that it is a deep sea of knowledge as it is sort of a depiction of the reality of life.

Jesus: the thread that holds everything in place

This beautiful illustration of my life and Jesus' place in it just dawned on my heart this afternoon while reflecting and gave me a fresh understanding, and a new appreciation of me.

You know, there's this indescribable feeling you get when you realise someone considers you really important and valuable to them. Now, imagine such one is Jesus! Imagine what He thinks of you! When you realise what He really thinks of you, you'd feel like I do now... 'kingly'....that's how I feel writing this. It's so refreshing!

So, here's the beautiful illustration as it dawned on my heart (I'm not sure if I captured all the emotions and imaginations in these words, though, but I hope it ministers to you)...

Jesus is God revealed

"...He who has seen me has seen the Father..." - John 14:9.


Image source: godandshoes.wordpress.com

Jesus is the God REVEALED. He reveals what God is like to us. He is the full display and embodiment of all that God is - His character, nature, power.

In Jesus, God's plan and purpose for mankind is fully manifested. And through Him, God will bring every of His thought to pass.

Whatever cannot be attributed to Jesus, cannot be attributed to God. Likewise, all that can be attributed to Jesus can be attributed to God, too. They are one and the same; "I and my father are one", He said.

All we did not know about God until Jesus is revealed fully in and through Him. Also, whatever we need to know about God will be found in and through Jesus.

If you know Jesus, you know God. If you do not know Jesus, you do not, and cannot, know God.

Not only is Jesus THE way to God, He is God!
Not only is Jesus THE saviour of the world, He is God!
Not only is Jesus THE CHRIST, He is God!
Not only is Jesus THE truth, He is God!
Not only is Jesus THE son of God, He is God!

Do you know Jesus? Do you have Him in your life? The first step to becoming all that God has in store for you is knowing Jesus. Without Jesus, you can't fulfil God's purpose for your life, because they are one and the same. He is the God revealed!

Learn from the best

Much more than to give His life to salvage humans, Jesus came to earth to introduce a new way of living to us.
Yes, He came to introduce us to a higher way of life - how it is done in heaven. He introduced us to God's standard - which is excellence (And He saw that it was VERY GOOD, Genesis 1:31).

So, want to learn to be a great dad...mom...husband...wife...boss...leader...staff...student...friend...big brother...big sister...president...governor...servant....teacher...public speaker...pastor...son...daughter...? Then learn from the very best Himself - Jesus. He's the best role model there is!

Looking for the RIGHT things in the WRONG places

Image source: www.jeremymarklane.com

Haven't we all been there before? I mean that frustrating situation where you're frantically looking for something in a place...only to realise later it was never there! It really is frustrating.

One of the most futile things to do in life is looking for something where it is not!
Futile, because no matter how hard you search, no matter how many hours you put in, no matter how much you invest into the search, no matter how carefully you look; you'd never find it as you're looking in the wrong place!
This, unfortunately, is the case with many people today.

Do we really reap WHAT we sow?

"Most assuredly, I say to you, except a corn of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it abides alone. But if it dies, it brings forth much fruit" - John 12:24.

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"You reap what you sow" (or, what you sow is what you reap) is one saying that is thrown around a lot and many believe it to be correct as it is quoted...but how correct is this saying? Do we really reap WHAT we sow? Let's see...

Until now, I too had accepted and believed this saying without questioning - hook , line and sinker. But while reflecting on it recently, the Holy Spirit helped me understand it differently. Contrary to popular belief, we do not really reap WHAT we sow. How do I mean? Let me explain...

Do something with what you have been given

"Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. So they all ate and were filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them" - Luke 9:16-17.


Image source: dribbble.com

Often, we find ourselves look at other people (mostly celebrities) and admire what they accomplish, and think "if only I had what he/she had, I could do better".
But I can hear God saying to us, "do something with what you have been given".

I've got great news for you

I've got great news for you. Yes, you! Guess what! No matter what's happening to you. No matter how hard things may seem. No matter how tough things are now. No matter how bleak the future looks from where you're standing. No matter what people are saying about you. No matter what you've been through.

Regardless of all these - GOD HAS GOT IT ALL FIGURED OUT FOR YOU! He's completely in control of your life. This I know and believe. God's got your life completely figured out - from start to finish.

How do I know this? Here's how:

I'm not special!

Image source: jacobbrownblog.com

There's nothing really special about me, except that I have a special God & He's called me into a special relationship with Him.

He invested special gifts in me to serve the special people He created.

He gives me special ideas and does special things through me.

I'm a walking billboard of His special grace and the object of His special love.

So, you see, there's nothing really special about me.

"But by the grace of God I am what I am..." - 1 Corinthians 15:10.

How about you, what's special about you?

We are all brand ambassadors; what brand do you represent?

"Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God" - 2 Corinthians 5:20.


Image source: slideshare.net

Whether we realise it or not, we are all brand ambassadors! Your words, actions, behaviour, demeanour and response are consistent with a particular brand; the question is: what brand? What brand do you represent? What brand does your life embody?

Letter from a GRATEFUL heart to a GRACEFUL God

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Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I hope in Him!" - Lamentations 3:22-24.

Dear Jesus,
I just want to say THANK YOU. I'm sure you hear that a lot considering that you've touched many hearts. THANK YOU. That's all I really want to say in this letter Lord as we've entered the month of August.

What am I thankful for? Everything! For everything you've done. For everything you are to me. For the times it seemed I was groping in the dark. For the rocky patches on the road. For the sharp bends along the way. It turns out you had it all figured out. Nothing can catch you by surprise, apparently. I'm thankful for ALL of it.

Whose dreams are you living... yours or God's?

"For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to YOUR DREAMS WHICH YOU CAUSE TO BE DREAMED" - Jeremiah 29:8.

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What should define success for a Christian?
Granted, success is the achievement/accomplishment of set goals; but the question is who sets the goals for us as Christians? Whose goals are we to achieve? God's? The world's? Ours? It is very key that we look at these questions critically and reflect on them.

Really, what should be considered success for a Christian?
Can we say a Christian is successful based solely on the fact that he's wealthy?
Can we say a Christian is successful based solely on the fact that he's influential in his field?
Can we say a Christian is successful solely because he has a happy family? Or a great job or business?
All these are niceties honestly, but should our definition of success be based on the world's idea, or on God's?

Have you cashed your inheritance in Christ?

"For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more THOSE WHO RECEIVE abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness WILL REIGN IN LIFE through the One, Jesus Christ" - Romans 5:17.


Image source: thotam.com

When we surrendered our lives to Christ Jesus by receiving His free gift of salvation, we received more than most people know or can imagine. We did not only receive remission of sins (new birth), but also healing, access to heaven's unlimited resources, authority over dark forces, God's righteousness, victory over sin, freedom from curses, etc...we received a loaded gift pack!

By reason of accepting Jesus into your life (which I hope you have), He credited His finished work into your "account" - including the new God-like life, the divine health, the dominion over evil forces in heavenly places; all that was accomplished by reason of His suffering and death has been ascribed to you in Him, all you need do is cash it.

Let no one despise your youth

"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity" - 1 Timothy 4:12 (NKJV).


Image source: lacybella.com

Though the apostle Paul wrote the foregoing text to his protege, Timothy - a young minister - over 1900 years ago, I believe its message very much applies to young people in Christ today.

Here, Paul (of course, inspired by the Holy Spirit), gives us the recipe for a life of influence, such that is worthy of emulation and admiration, regardless of youth.

From this Scripture, we glean the key to living a life that will not only glorify God our father, but will also make us influential figures in our circles, and thus, effective ministers of the gospel.

Now, we'll take a moment to break up the text to understand what's required of us as young people in Christ. Our text again (1 Timothy 4:12): "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in WORD, in CONDUCT, in LOVE, in SPIRIT, in FAITH, in PURITY".

The one thought that can make a world of difference

Everyday, we are faced with different situations, where we sometimes have to make tough choices and decisions; but I reckon there's one thought that can make a world of difference in our everything we do.

I have this friend I'd like to tell you about

I have this friend I'd like to tell you about, I believe you'd like to meet my friend and experience what I have with this friend.
So here's introducing my dear friend, my pal for life...

Can you love others without loving self?

Image source: joshuanhook.com

"And the second is like it: you shall love your neighbour as yourself" - Matthew 22:39.

When the scribes asked Jesus what He thought was the greatest commandment, He answered it was 1) loving God and, 2) loving people, citing Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18; adding that "On these two commandments hang all the laws and the prophets" (v 40). We'll focus on the second, that is, loving your neighbour as yourself (your neighbour includes everyone you come across - at work, at school, in church, family members, friends, even strangers, as Jesus taught us in the parable of the good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37).

Isn't it curious that Jesus said 'you shall love your neighbour AS yourself'? Think about that for a moment... Why would Scripture say 'love your neighbour AS yourself'?

Seeing as God sees

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"For the Lord DOES NOT SEE AS MAN SEES; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at THE HEART" (1 Samuel 16:7).

If only we could see as God sees, things would look a whole lot different. If we could see as God sees, people would look a whole lot different.

How?

Who am I, Lord?

Image source: pinterest.com

"What is man that you are mindful of him,
And the son of man that you visit him?
For you have made him a little lower than the angels (Elohim),
And you have crowned him with glory and honour.
You have made him to have dominion over the works of yourr hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
All sheep and oxen - even the beats of the field,
The birds of the air,
And the fish of the sea that pass through the paths of the seas.
O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth!" - Psalm 8:4-9.

The salvation package - what you have in Christ

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A little kid received a beautifully wrapped gift package one Christmas morning. Excitedly, he unwraps the gift package. As he does, he finds a fascinating piece of toy, he picks it out and leaps excitedly outside to play with it, not bothering to fully unwrap the whole package to see the other items in it - which would probably have fascinated him more than his one pick. Most Christians are like this.

As Christians, we have received the salvation package - which includes great things such as new birth (remission of sin), healing (and health), freedom from poverty, a life of dominion, power and authority over the devil and his forces, and so much more - yet we have not fully unwrapped this package, but pick the first one - remission of sin (new birth) - and leap out to "play" with it, leaving the rest of the package undiscovered!

#SSVBlogNuggets: Don't make Peter's mistake!

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"Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled saying, "it is a ghost"! And they cried out for fear.
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "be of good cheer! It is I, do not afraid."
And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." So He said, "come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he WALKED ON THE WATER to go to Jesus. BUT WHEN HE SAW that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out saying, "Lord, save me!" - Matthew 14:25-30.

The foregoing Scripture text captures the story of Jesus walking on water to meet up with His disciples who had gone "before Him to the other side" in a boat while He stayed back to disperse the multitude and to pray (v. 22-23).

Back and ready to roll

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Hey efolks! Been a while, hasn't it? How have you been? I've been good. Glory to God!
I'm sorry I've haven't uploaded any new posts in a while, a lot has happened in recent weeks.

But I'm back now and ready to roll, hope you are!
The Holy Spirit will be taking us on some exciting and fulfilling journeys from now on - strap you seatbelts and ride along!
Once again, apologies for the no-show for some time, it's all for the better.

Thank you for always keeping in touch with the blog. God bless ya!
Still Small Voice Blog is back, help spread the word!

In the beauty of His presence

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In The Beauty Of His Presence...
My fears fade into insignificance...
My insecurities melt like wax before fire...
My sins are washed away...
My hurts are soothed...
My heart is strengthened...
My spirit is renewed...
My failing hope is restored...
My trust in Him is deepened...
My faith takes wings and soars with eagles...
My mind gains new insight...

Why do people SHOUT when praying?!

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I woke in the middle of the night one Friday and heard some church in my new neighbourhood (yeah, we recently moved) praying and shouting (things like "Holy Ghoooooost fireeeee!" over and over); and the thought that hit me was, why do people shout at the top of their voices when praying?

I mean, it's not like you're talking to someone in a crowded noisy place that you need to raise our voices so loud for the person to hear you, right? Neither are you having an argument or shouting match with God that you need to "OUTSHOUT" Him!

God's not deaf, is He? Then why shout at the top of your voice in the name of praying? Or do louder prayers mean God will hear more clearly and answer more speedily? Why then do we fall for the temptation to shout our prayers, especially at vigils?!

It could have been worse... but for His grace

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It could have been worse...
You hear of the legalisation of same sex marriage and transsexuals being celebrated and honoured as heroes for "coming out" and you lament.

It could have been worse...
You read of how IS, Boko Haram, Al Shabab, Al Qaeda and the likes mercilessly kill thousands and render millions orphan, homeless and widowed on a regular basis and shiver.

It could have been worse...
You see government officials take oath in public glare to uphold the constitution and defend the people, yet when they get hold of power, they do everything but that, and you curse at them.

Rest

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"Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" - Matthew 11:28-30.

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Soon after she was born, Maggie's dad leaves without a trace. No messages. No letters. No calls. Nothing. One day became two, then rolled into weeks. The months and the years went by, and it became obvious he was never returning!

Maggie's mom was left to cater for her new born alone. Without help, she was lost for ideas. Where does she start? She had no proper education. No skills. Not formal. Not vocational. Her family, you say? She's an only child! And here she is, in her early twenty-somethings, a mother with no one to turn to!

But despite the odds, she manages to raise Maggie. Wow! But the story is only just beginning...

#SSVBlogNuggets: Whatever you face, Our God is able

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Hi, you're good? Welcome to a beautiful new week! I believe it's one that holds much promise of great things for me and you! Do you believe that? Remember, you become what you believe!

I pray that this week God will reveal Himself afresh to you and grant you grace for ah-mazing exploits! You will soar with the eagles in the skies, not creep on your belly and feed on crumbs! Believe it, for we indeed become what we believe!

As you step out this week and beyond, whatever you face, know that our God is able. He's able. Able to do, not what I ask or think - or what you ask or think - but exceedingly and abundantly more than what we ask and think!

His word reassures us...

The Prophet Elisha: 7 Lessons from his life and ministry

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Elisha is reputed in Scripture as the Prophet who took the place of Elijah after he was taken up. He is also known as the young prophet who requested and received a double portion of Elijah's spirit.

But there's a lot more to him than being Elijah's understudy and eventual successor - he was a man whose life and ministry we could learn much from.

Yay, It’s June!!! I’m grateful Lord

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“Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done."

Happy new month and welcome to June my efolks! It's our month of new wine. Remember the wedding at Cana in John 2? The Lord is set to give us new wine this month like at that wedding feast, and you remember it tasted better? All He requires is that, like the servants at that feast, we trust Him and do as He says. When He says pour water in the pot, do so; and when He says draw from it and give to the master of the event, do so. And you'll experience newness in every area of your life. (You should read the text, John 2 for yourselves and draw personalised insight).

Moving on...

Why you should read "Chastity for men" by Frances Okoro

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"I say then: walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh" - Galatians 5:16 (NKJV).

It's interesting, sexual thoughts and desires are so high up our minds, yet when you bring it up in Christian circles everyone seems to go rather quiet like they have no clue what you're talking about or look at you like you have a demon, especially with older people!

But we can't deny it, sexual immorality is high among us; yes and I mean in the Christian circle. You don't want to be in people's imaginations to see what they are thinking! You don't want to know what many do when the lights go out which is why we must bring it to the fore and conquer it.

Parenting Series (2): 11 key things you should teach your child

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Please note: This post is the second in a series on Godly parenting, here's the first.
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What then do I teach my child? Must be the question going through your mind after reading the first post in this series where we looked at what Proverbs 22:6 meant by "train up a child in the way he should go..."; we also touched on how to train a child.

In this second post, we will attempt to answer, what values and behaviour do I instill in my child(ren) that are key to living out the life God has planned for them?
Here's 11 important things you should teach your child... Let's dive straight right in...

Parenting Series (1): What it really means to train up a child

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Parenting can be a delight, a pleasure and a beautiful thing! It is a huge responsibility, a special calling even, so much so that one must be properly equipped with needed tools before diving into it.

It is a super sensitive job (you have the opportunity to literally shape tomorrow!) which should not be taken lightly! It's so sensitive that I'm convinced we need God's word to guide and help us navigate this 'uncharted' territory.

6 prayers I coined from "the Lord's prayer"

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"In this manner, therefore, pray: Our father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen." - Matthew 6:9-13.

When Jesus was asked to "...teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples" by one of His disciples in Luke 11:1, He obliged, and gave us this beautiful prayer which we have all embraced.

Think Like God, Think Big!

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"...Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbours - empty vessels; DO NOT GATHER JUST A FEW." - 2 Kings 4:3.

The idea of thinking and dreaming big which us humans have only started exploring is something God has been practising since the beginning of time!

God is the biggest thinker alive! He is the biggest thinker and dreamer you'll ever know! He doesn't think in 'small' terms. He thinks and dreams big! What the French would call "Un grand penseur!"

Why God's the biggest dreamer and thinker? Here's a few reasons...

How far can you go to prove your love for God?

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Really, how far can you go? What crazy thing(s) can you do to prove how much you love...? Do you even really love Him?

You know, He already went to great lengths to prove He loves you... He died a painful death - on the cross! What length can you go to show you love Him in return?

Does God take pleasure in seeing bad people punished?

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“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but THAT ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE.” – 2 Peter 3:9.

In one word? No! God never takes pleasure or delight in seeing anyone, not even bad people, punished or suffer. No matter how evil, disobedient and sinful a person may be, God is not pleased to see them punished, He just has to do it.

Feeling, personal ambition, trend, opinion or God's word; which are you building your life on?

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Those in the construction world will tell you that the foundation you build on goes a long way in determining the durability, integrity and longevity of a building structure, and whether it can withstand pressure.


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It's inevitable, the rains will pour, the winds will blow hard, and the storms will threaten; whether the building holds in place or comes crashing down when these happen will tell what kind of foundation it was built on.

The same is true of our lives. Today, many make the mistake of building their lives and future on the wrong "foundation". They take decisions, make resolutions, choose wife/husband, start new business, enter new relationship, take up new jobs or roles, or define a lifestyle based on things that cannot withstand life's pressures; such as:
- feeling (how they feel about something or someone),
- people's opinion (what others say and think about them),
- trends (what everyone else is doing),
- personal ambition (what I want to become).

I want to be close to Jesus at the Supper Table

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The Supper Table is prepared; Jesus and His disciples will now sit, eat and dine together; how close to Him will you be?

It's a table that takes all, but while some will be close, others will be a little further; how close to Him will you be?

Like John, I want to be close to Jesus at the Supper Table.

What it REALLY means to trust in God

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Please take a moment to reflect on this conversation, focusing on the last question.
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"Do you trust me?"
"Yes, I do, Lord Jesus. I trust you".
"Do you trust that I have the power to do as I say?"
"Yes Lord, I do. I don't doubt it one bit!"
"Will you trust me through it all as I do it my way?" (Selah).
Can you honestly and emphatically answer the last question? Can you trust in God to do it His way?
***

This opening conversation captures where most of us may not be getting it right in our walk with God. What do I mean? We may have no reservations trusting in God's power to do as He says, but we may be hesitant to completely trust in the way He chooses to go about doing as He has said. Trusting in God, however, entails doing both.

What the Bible really wants you to know about God: He's not mad at you, He loves you to bits!

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When we paint God as someone who goes about with a book in hand to record our rights and wrongs, just waiting for us to slip so He'll put it down and punish us accordingly, we grossly misunderstand Him; and it makes building an intimate loving relationship with Him impossible!

That false idea makes one give up trying, because you find yourself constantly failing at measuring up to a perfect holy being who you imagine is always mad at you, and looking at you with contempt for constantly failing and falling below His high standard.

My God, My Everything: Recounting all that God is to me

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My God has been everything to me in my walk with Him; this is recounting all that He is to me...

My God, my life: in His hand, my life is hidden and safe.
My God, my hope: God in me, the hope of glory.
My God, my joy: He has adorned me with the garment of praise, singing, dancing and rejoicing.
My God, my love: He loves me to bits, there's no greater love than that He showed me. I love Him because He first loved me.

#SSVBlogNuggets: Rise up and walk from your depression and hopelessness!

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"Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, RISE UP AND WALK." And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength." - Acts 3:6-7.

When you feel depressed and hopeless, remember this if you forget all else: "But as many as received Him, to them gave He the power to become sons of God, even to them that believe on His name..." (John 1:12).

10 lessons for Christians from Leicester City's Premier League triumph

All hail the new Premier League champs, Leicester City FC!

It's the stuff of fairy tales! The stuff of wild dreams! The stuff of children storybooks! The stuff of bedtime tales! The stuff of fictional works at best! But it has really happened! In our day and age! In this generation! And we have witnessed it!

Leicester City Football Club have been crowned the champions of the English Premier League (EPL)!

Yep, you read right! The CHAMPIONS of EPL. The same 24-year-old (since 1992) "exciting", "competitive", "fast-paced", "physical", and "unpredictable" English Premier League!

The other 10 Israel spies: 7 lessons we learn from their mistake

While the Israelites were on their way to Canaan, the land they had been promised, God instructed Moses in Numbers 13 when they were at the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh to "send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel..."

Moses, in his usual manner, obeyed and "sent them from the Wilderness of Paran according to the command of the Lord, all of them who were heads of the children of Israel," (v 3); with the instructions, "Go up this way into the South, and go up to the mountains, and see what the land is like: whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, few or many; whether the land they dwell in is good or bad; whether the cities they inhabit are like camps or strongholds; whether the land is rich or poor; and whether there are forests there or not. Be of good courage. And bring some of the fruit of the land." (vs 17-20).

#SSVBlogNuggets: Let Jesus take over the wheel

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We all have personal struggles. I have mine. You've got yours. But there could be a difference to how we combat 'em struggles - who we allow help us.

Your struggle will overwhelm you if you don't invite the Holy Spirit into it and hand the reins over to Him. Your struggle will break you if you hold on to it, but it can't break Him.

Daystar Women of Destiny Conference 2016 (WODC2016) ends in a blaze of God's glory!

- What happened, when and how at WODC2016



What a few days it turned out to be! Daystar Women of Destiny Conference 2016 surpassed its billing; which is what happens when you surrender leadership and control to the Holy Spirit!

This year's edition of the three-day annual women-focused conference, themed 'The 21st Century Mother', held on Friday, April 22 and culminated Sunday, April 24 at Daystar Christian Center, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos; with women of all ages in attendance.

Daystar Women of Destiny Conference 2016 #WODC Live Blog: Updates, Photos, Quotes - Day 2

Happening now...Day 2: April 23
Follow the Daystar Women of Destiny Conference 2016 #WODC here with live text and photo updates as it happens.
Refresh at interval for latest update

Daystar Women of Destiny Conference 2016 #WODC2016 Live Blog: Updates, Photos, Quotes, Tweets

Follow the Daystar Women of Destiny Conference 2016 #WODC here with live text and photo updates as it happens. Also follow on Twitter @ssmallvoiceblog and @InspiredFella for more. Refresh at interval for latest update...

A heartfelt letter to Jesus, My Everything

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I will start by saying thank you. I know that's a phrase you hear a lot, and I mean every letter of it.
Thank you for not giving up on me even when I had given up on myself, and almost stopped trying.
Thank you for pulling out of my mess, cleansing me with your precious blood and presenting me perfect and blameless to the world.
Thank you for rekindling hope, passion and enthusiasm in my heart.
Thank you for helping me trust and place my faith in you wholeheartedly.
Thank you for being the source of my strength, my confidence, my worth, my meaning, my joy, my peace, my hope, my help, my purpose, my life... my everything.