The Dividing Wall.

''The Messiah has made things up between us so that we're now together on this, both non-Jewish outsiders and Jewish insiders. He tore down the wall we used to keep each other at a distance.'' Ephesians 2:14 (MSG)
November 9, 1989 was a historical and unforgettable day in the lives and minds of the German people. On that day, the Great Wall of Berlin fell! The people of East and West Germany were now free to travel to visit each other after being separated by this wall for 28 years! A day later, bulldozers began to break down this wall of separation. I can imagine what a re-union it would have been for families who had been separated by this wall!
This story reminds me of something very important in my life. It reminds me of what the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ did for me.
Jesus Christ has not just broken down the dividing wall between the Jews and the Gentiles, but has also broken the one between I and God. Sin created a very huge wall between I and God but because of Jesus' work of redemption for me on the cross, this wall has been broken down and now I have access to God through Jesus Christ. But it sad but true that we Christians often re-build walls between each other when things go wrong. This happens when we do stuff like keeping malice, gossiping about each other and putting on the whole "i'm better than you'' attitude. This is not right! Our constitution (the Bible) as believers tells us that we are to bear with one another and be at peace with one another too (Ephesians 4:1-3). Now that the dividing wall between us and God has been broken down, we now belong to God's household (Ephesians 2:19). If this is so, then rather than building walls, we should make effort to avoid building any walls and to break down any ones that separate us through the help of the Holy Spirit. We must show the world that we are indeed of the same household.
Our unity as believers first comes from our union with Christ.
Let's go break down some walls ya'll!!!







References: Our Daily Bread 2013; The Message Bible.

Sin bricks...

Imagine every sin you committed was a small clay brick and everytime you committed a sin, it was labelled on a brick and hung on your neck. How many bricks would you have slung over over your neck now?
How difficult will it be for you to stand up straight speak more of walking?
It would be almost impossible to do either if you will agree with me.
This is the easter season and any true believer would know that this is the period when we remember Jesus' death on the cross for the sins of the whole world. Many of us see the beating and all the physical torture that Jesus endured as the real punishment for our sins. That is not so! If the payment for our sins were the physical pains thaaat Jesus endured for 3 hours, then it equally means that all we just gotta do is spend 3 hours in hell and we would pay for sins and walk out of hell.
However, the actual payment for our sins was the eternal separation from God the Father that Jesus faced for those 3 hours. At that point, Jesus faced the wrath of God. God turned His face away from Jesus because He at that point, bore the sins of the whole wide world. THAT was the payment for our sins.
Let's go back to the earlier illustration. Imagine the sins of the whole wide world, each labelled on a brick and Jesus having to carry ALL of it. That was exactly what Jesus did on the cross. He carried our sins, past, present, and future, and nailed them to the cross. He took my punishment and diverted Gods wrath towards me to Himself. Jesus has perfected for ALL time the payment of my sins. Now there is no more condemnation for me because I believe in Him. Romans 8:1 says, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
What does the death of Jesus on the cross mean to me? Does it mean life? Or is it just a symbol or a story that thrills me each time I hear it?
All that comes to mind is this phrase in a song I heard that says, "Oh Lord, Oh Lord, what could I have done if salvation had not been free?" Jesus has done for me what NO man could ever do for me. All...for FREE....
Thank You Jesus!!!





References: Sulmane Maigadi, The Holy Bible (NIV)

Need an energy boost?

Isaiah 40:29-31, "He gives strength to the weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (NIV)
I remember very well in my primary school days, during sport programs, anyone who participated in any of the games got a spoonful of glucose not just as a reward, but as a boost for the spent energy. We all looked forward to getting glucose and having feeling the coolness of it on our tongues and relish the sweetness.
Looking back to my life, I have come to realize that life is a race. It is a continuous process which will not end until Jesus comes. You will agree with me that sometimes we get weary and tired and begin to feel like we can't go on. It seems like all our physical and emotional energy has been spent to the point of no remedy and then many of us tend to listen to our feelings and want to give up on life.
What difficulty are you going through in your life right now? What challenges are seeming to weigh you down?
Do not forget that even in the physical race, the journey is not entirely smooth. It may be rigorous and the runner may even encounter hurdles along the way. But does he give up? No! He has his eyes on the finish line and on the prize.
Do you need an energy boost? Is your strength failing you? God has been promised to renew your strength if only you wait on Him. This you can do in prayer and communion with Him. His arms are wide open when you are feeling spent and beaten. He is ready to refresh you so that you can walk, run, and even soar with renewed strength.
Do not give up. Keep the faith. It is not over yet. Keep your eyes on the finish line and the prize which in our case as Children of the Most High is the unfading crown of righteousness.
2 Timothy 4:7-8a "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness..." (NIV)
Need and energy boost? Go to God!!!




Reference: The True Images Bible. (NIV)

Be grateful...!

A song says, "Be grateful, cos there's someone else who'd love to be in your shoes... It's gonna be alright. Be grateful."
I'm sitting in my bathroom trying to soak my hurting feet in warm water but also complaining at the same time because I bought a new pair of shoes and I wore them for the first time that day and they hurt my feet because they were too tight. But then it struck me! It struck me that someone else somewhere had a much worse day because she didn't have even a pair of slippers to wear that day. I realised, that somewhere, some orphans didn't have lunch just because they had no firewood to cook with and no money to even buy some. And my whole thought pattern changed. I began to think of the the many miracles I experienced that day. I got up strong and happy, had enough to eat for breakfast, drove around and had no single accident, I came back home to a warm and cozy bed. Then I began to realize how ungrateful I have been for such blessings!
I looked outside and I saw how brightly the sun was shining. It wasn't too hot to burn me, it was just perfect. The trees were dancing to the heavenly tune of the wind, the little but hardworking ants were going about their normal business. I could see the awesomeness of My Father in display for me to marvel at, free of charge. Another song says, "What if blessings come through raindrops, what if the healing comes through tears... What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise"
I have learnt to be grateful, for everything that happens, in every circumstance I find myself in for but for His mercies, I would have been consumed. I do not deserve an inch of what I'm getting! Why complain over trivial things?
So, whenever I'm tempted to complain, I remember that there's someone else who's worse off than me.
Be grateful for family, for friends, for the good weather, for food, for that headache you didn't have today, for the smile and laughter you had today, for EVERyTHinG.
Even in that "bad" situation," just smile and say, "Lord, I thank you!"
Be grateful!!!

Is God's Word really relevant to my situation?

Is God's word really relevant to every situation i pass through? Cos sometimes I pass through some very challenging situations and I begin to wonder if God has a word for that situation. Well, lets see what God says in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: "Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another-showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." (MSG)
This passage reveals the truth that God's Word is indeed relevant to every single part or situation of my life. From this I have come to realize that no matter the situation I am in, Gods word is relevant for that situation. Is it my sexuality, everyday life, academics, or my social life? Whatever it is, the word of God is relevantly sufficient.
Romans 8:28 says: "That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good." (MSG) Indeed how hard this is to believe when i'm in a tough situation! However, this verse shows that God works out everything for my own good. I may not see this truth at the immediate happening of the situation, but if I have TRUST and FAITH in God, I will accept this truth with a proper attitude.
God's word is divinely inspired, it is holy, it serves as a basis for my belief, it is God's love letter to me! It reveals His heart to me and it reveals God's attributes of mercy, wrath, jealousy, (indeed!)kindness, love, and every every that makes Him who He is. It teaches me how to live a holy life and be fruitful for Him.
Hebrews 4:12 says: "God means what He says. What He says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey." (MSG)
God's word is powerful. It has the power to change and transform lives. What do I expect? His Word made the world. Amazing!
The Psalmist had to confess in Psalm 119:97-104 saying: "Oh, how I love all you've revealed; I reverently ponder it all the day long. Your commands give me an edge on my enemies; they never become obsolete. I've even become smarter than my teachers since I've pondered and absorbed your counsel. I've become wiser than old sages simply by doing what you tell me. I watch my step, avoiding the ditches and ruts of evil so I can spend all my time keeping your Word. I never make detours from the route you laid out; you gave me such good directions. Your words are so choice, so tasty; I prefer them to the best home cooking. With your instruction, I understand life; that's why I hate false propaganda." (MSG)
How important is God's word to me? Is the music I listen more important than God's word? Is my work taking higher priority over God's Word? It should not be so.
Colossians 3:16-17 says: " Let the Word of Christ-the Message-have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives-words,actions,whatever-be done in the name of the Master, Jesus,thanking God the Father every step of the way." (MSG)
God's word must dwell richly within me everyday every moment. God's word should be my rest, my place of refuge and comfort. I must desire to study God's word. It is LIFE. Just like cars can't run without petrol, I cannot run without God's word as a Christian. I must not wait until I am dry and empty before I begin to crave the word. I must crave it earnestly everyday as I crave for physical food.
God's Word is LIFE.


Coined from: "Relevance of the word of God to challenges we pass thru" by Isaac Hassan.

The Val's Craze....

I sit, watching and thinking and it is just appalling the way people are going crazy for the celebration of this year's valentine. Eateries are now decked in red and boutiques have displayed the very best of their red colored products. Wow.
The whole craze for Valentine and having a Valentine got me thinking to myself and asking, "Infact just how did Valentine begin in the first place?" A little research revealed that although there are many stories behind Valentine, the most popular two are this:
1. There was actually someone known as Saint Valentine. During his lifetime, he performed secret weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to some Christians who were being persecuted. He was imprisoned because of this and it is said that during his time in prison, he healed the jailers daughter of her blindness. The story also goes that there was a romantic love relationship between them before he was killed. Legend states that he ended his farewell letter to her with these words, "From your Valentine"; which is often used today during the celebration.
2. The second story states that the ancient Romans celebrated a feast named Lupercalia supposedly on February 15 held in honor of a goddess. During this festival, young men randomly chose the name of a young girl to escort for the celebration. With Christianity adopting the holiday, it was the moved to February 14.
However, one of the earliest and most common symbols of Valentines day is Cupid, the Roman god of love which is represented by the picture of a young boy with a bow and arrow. It is also common to see the usual one we know, that is the picture of a heart pierced through with an arrow.

Enough of history. Let us look critically. Is Valentines day worth celebrating alongside the rest of the world?
Jesus gave us the great commandment which is to love one one another. John 15:12-13a says "This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the best way to love." (MSG)
People pay so much attention to planning the way they will celebrate their Valentine on February 14 every year. So much money is spent. In fact, statistics show that almost half of the population in UK spend about 1.3 billion pounds yearly on gifts and flowers for Valentine! If this is so, my question is, if so much attention is given to celebrating love on valentine's day, what happens to February 15 and 16 and the other days to follow? Is showing love to be restricted to just one day?
I also wonder what's so bad if I wake up on a random day and send a gift to my friend to show my love? Must it be on February 14? Can love be measured with gifts and sex? What happens when they are no more available? I also wonder why Valentine is is mostly directed to showing love to the opposite gender? It baffles me why today's valentine celebration does not end at giving gifts and flowers but extends to immoral acts? Today, in bid to express their so called "true love" to their partners, unmarried couples have sex and do lots of disgusting things. Boys who do not fear God take advantage of girls who do not know their identity and disvirgin them with claims that they are being shown true love. The questions are endless.

How do you see love? It is obvious that the way you look at love depends on who you are and how you see yourself. For example, if you look at love as being struck in the heart with an arrow, you may just be implying that you intend to have your heart pierced or broken. Or, if you see love as exchanging gifts and having sex, you most probably will get involved in such activities. But, if you look at love differently, as an everyday act which Christ commanded you to do, February 14 will not restrict your life of showing love.
Humans have been created to show and want to be shown love. However, this great vacuum cannot be filled by celebrating Valentines day. Love cannot be found in Saint Valentine. True love can only be found in the person of Jesus who is love Himself, who through His sacrificial death on the cross, brought redemption to mankind. This is the GrEATeST act of love ever performed in history.

The love of God can only be produced by the Spirit of God. Any other love other than this is not of God. Remember, it is only those that are led by the Spirit of God that are His children.
If the history of Valentine dates back to the celebration of the god/goddess of love, why would I want to be part of it in the first place? That is if I am truly a child of God and I truly appreciate His love for me. Jesus' love for mankind did not end at Calvary's tree. He did not think, "I will show them love today and that will be all." No!!! In fact, His love began at creation, and is still very much available to us every day! Jesus' love for us was sacrificial, unconditional, never asking for things in return. It was full and free. Most of the type of love celebrated today is conditional, with the guy buying the girl stuff and at the end asking for sex in return. Yes, this is the very usual case everywhere around the world. That is not true love.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a says, "Love never gives up. Love cares more than for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love does not strut, doesn't have a swelled head, doesn't force itself on others, isn't always "me first," doesn't fly off the handle, doesn't keep score of the sins of others,doesn't revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps on going to the end. Love never dies." (MSG)

Love never dies!!! Our love lifestyle should be an every day thing. This can only emanate from a heart that has truly experienced and received Christ's love.
Allow Christ to love you, so you can in turn love others everyday, in the right way.



References:
Wikipanion, About.com, The Message Bible, Mr. Ugochukwu Ogbonna, Miss. Patience Ododo, Mr. Iyare Osagiede, and Mrs. Esta Vihishima.

Walking with God...

Genesis 5:24 "Enoch walked steadily with God. And then one day he was simply gone: God took him." (MSG)
Imagine a 3 year old child walking on the road with his or her mom. What side of the road do you think the mother should walk? Should she walk close to the road and let the child walk by the gutter; that is away from the cars or vice versa? I believe we'll all agree that the mother should let the child walk far away from the cars and she should be at risk instead.
Walking with someone has great advantages. Confidence, security, and you cover great distance.
When with humans we are often worried about who walks at the shoulder of the road or the tip and about incoming dangers. However, in walking With God we do not need to worry.
However, In order to have an effective walk with God I must first agree to walk with Him. Amos 3:3 "Do people walk hand in hand if they aren't going the same place?" (MSG)
I must first recognize that God calls me unto salvation, holiness, and service to Him and mankind.
Secondly, I must respond in faith to His call and believe in faith also. Romans 10:9-10 (MSG)
As I respond in faith I must also trust Him with my all. Proverbs 3:5-8

What must happen as I walk with God:
Submission: If I must walk with God, I must allow Him take the lead, always. He must take the centre stage in my life, allowing Him handle every situation in my life. That is, giving Him a blank check over my life. Jeremiah 29:11 "I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out-plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." God has the master plan for my life. I must let His plan prevail In my life. Someone once said, "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans."
Obedience: It's one thing to hear a command and it's another to obey. Obedience keeps our relationship with God open and free. For Example: God related with Moses as friend to friend. Obedience to God is in my best interest. It is true freedom even when I do not understand.

There will be distractions:
As I walk with God there's a need for me to stay focused as the Lord takes the Lead.God has power over all things and therefore I must trust Him.

There will be talking and listening:
I must learn to do more of listening to God than of talking. As I walk with God, He's my friend and so I must learn to talk to Him about everything.

I must let God hold my hand:
I must never reach a point in my walk with God where I do not need God to hold my hand. Isaiah 41:10&14 "Don't panic, I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll be your strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you... Do you feel like a lowly worm, Jacob? Don't be afraid. Feel like a fragile insect, Israel? I'll help you. I, God want to reassure you. The God who buys you back, The Holy One of Israel." I must allow Him hold my hand and the journey will be smooth.

There will be pain, suffering, and fear:
These things will definitely come but I must endure because at the end there is reward waiting for me. James 1:2-4. When God allows me face stuff like these, He does that to strengthen me and prepare me for greater challenges. I must rejoice when I face challenges because God is planning something greater. He is refining me, to come out as Gold at the end.
Sometimes pain is necessary to get my attention. There goes the Story of what is done to a sheep who doesn't want to graze in a particular place. Its legs are broken and then it is not left to die but is Carried on the shepherd's shoulders until its legs heals and during that period, enjoys fellowship with the shepherd at that time. It ends up being the closest sheep to the shepherd.
Sometimes pain also tests our commitment to God.
Pain is necessary for growth. It humbles us to experience his great power an d grace as he works in us. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

There will be waiting:
Psalm 27:14 "Stay with GOD! Take heart. Don't quit. I'll say it again. Stay with GOD." Psalm 40:1 "I waited and waited and waited for GOD. At last he looked; finally he listened." Lamentations 3:25-27
I must learn to wait patiently for God; He will never leave me hanging.

There will be warfare:
Ephesians 6:11-13 (MSG) I must be prepared always for battle. No resting because the evil one never rests.

There will be surprises:
I can never predict God's next move. I must expect surprises from God during our walk. Our minds are blinded by logic but Gods ways are not my ways so I must just follow Him and let Him take the lead.

I need to be humble:
James 4:6
Humility is very important as I walk with God. I must be ready for correction and be willing to accept correction and humbly obey God's commands. When I choose to be humble, God will supply grace.

I need to be hopeful:
Hebrews 11:1-2 "The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we cant see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd." Lamentations 3:19-24
If I do not understand, I must just trust God and respond in faith. Romans 8:28 "That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good." (MSG)

Walking with God assures me of Solace, peace, and good eternal destination.
It is continuous until I reach my final destination which is heaven.
Those who walk with God have nothing to regret but have everything to rejoice, including the good bad and ugly, the pain and suffering. God will never harm me intentionally. Lamentations 3:31-33.
I must not worry when I walk with God, He has got it covered. There is an expected end.