IT'S MY RACE

This Christian race is a big deal fam!! So many Christians with so many different beliefs on how to truly serve this our one true God. Honestly, it can get tiring! Like..."ahahnn; what is it sef,  I'm not doing again!!"

Different doctrines everywhere. Sheeesh!! Sometimes I hear some things and have to make a conscious effort not to be judgemental.  There's too much of that in the Christendom already. I guess with no harm intended though. *sigh

There are people every where telling you how you are supposed to be serving God. Some people stop going to church not because it's not a bible believing church but because they have focused on the preacher and not God. They forget that even preachers too are human. Before a preacher is a preacher, he's human first. So don't expect him or her to be perfect. Personally, I don't believe that's fair! You are not perfect, are You? Yet you claim to be a Christian right? So why would you be expecting a preacher or religious leader to be perfect? Are they God? Plus God uses imperfect people. Don't you think?

See ehn, I believe this Christian race or better still, the Christian journey; as my friend would rather call it, is a process. You don't just accept Christ and then immediately depart from all your evil ways! No. It's something you spend your whole life making a conscious effort to achieve with the help of God. Christianity as some people say is a life style. Sometimes you'll falter, other times, you won't. What matters most is your desire not to falter! And repenting when you do. You have to keep striving to be the best you can be. Don't allow the world put all the pressure on you.

Our relationship with God is individual. It's not you, your pastor and God, or you, your partner and God, or you, your parents and God. It is you, yourself and God!!  Don't look left or right. Don't allow the world to confuse you. The Bible has been made available for us. BLESS Jesus for that. Eat, sleep, digest the bible. Invite the holyspirit to help you in your journey. He is also readily available. (Jer.33v3). Bless Jesus again for that.

The most important thing in our Christian race I believe is LOVE!! It works magic people. Has anyone out there ever been in love? It's a beautiful feeling! Your lover can do no wrong by you. You are more often than not willing to forgive no matter the circumstance. You want your lover to be constantly happy. This person has a huge influence on you. His/her mood, decisions and actions affect yours. You constantly want to be with this person. You are quick to defend this person's name. Infact, in your mind, no one can ever love this person better than you; so you don't need anybody telling you how to love this person!!

Did you get that? I believe each person has a unique and special relationship with God. If you have this Love for God, you will not be fazed by what you hear anywhere. You'll be like, "I know my lover and I don't need anyone to validate Him or my relationship with him! Period. I would like to add here also that faith comes with love among other things.

My aim is to make heaven on the last day taking as many people as possible along with me. So I will have faith that my lover will never forsake me and will always guide me in line with his will and word. I believe that no matter how much I falter or digress, He remains faithful to bring me back on track. I believe in Him that He loves me enough to want me with Him in eternity. Hence, He will constantly have my back and show me the truth and way, so long as I keep loving Him.

Don't be downcast if the world is making you feel like an outcast Christian because you are not serving or loving God the way they have been taught to. Hogwash!! All you need to do is Love Him. Trust me on this, we definitely always want to know whomever it is we love better. So strive to know Him more. Psalm 42 vs 1

I hope this makes sense to someone. Like I always say, I'm not perfect, I don't have all the right answers, I'm not always correct but I'll say it anyhow and hope that despite all these flaws, the holyspirit would interpret my banters and make them add value to someone out there.

So in conclusion, I believe that our relationship with God is like a marriage. So many people with their different opinions and advice. It's okay to listen, but always remember, what works for couple A might not work for couple B and what doesn't work for couple C might work for couple D. The most important ingredient is LOVE! It'll keep you going. John 4 vs 15 - 21

Good news though, God is such a sweetheart, He has made it so easy for us, because He first loved us. So much so he gave His only begotten son. John. 3 v 16. What greater love is there, fam?!!! If not for anything, how about you start from loving Him because He first loved you. Your race would be so much easier and sweeter. You'll experience Him in all His glory!

If there's anybody out there feeling like an outcast believer, feeling unworthy. Hey! Lighten up. Don't give up because of people around you. FOCUS! Determine to keep running after God. Don't look left or right. No matter how hard it seems. Keep your eyes on Him.

Here's a beautiful song by Todd Dulaney "(I'll keep) running to you". Make it your anthem. Not too many words make up the song. But the few ones that do,  are meaningful and powerful!! Find the lyrics and video below. Don't forget to sing along. Enjoy.

Spread the love people.

I'LL KEEP RUNNING TO YOU
It may not be easy
But Lord I'll keep running to you
Sometimes I get weary
But I know that You're pulling me through
When it feels like it's ending
My heart will depend on Your truth, Yes
I'm working hard to follow You
Yes, I'm working hard to follow You
It may not be easy
But Lord I'll keep running to you
Sometimes I get weary
But I know that You're pulling me through
When it feels like it's ending
My heart will depend on Your truth, Oh Yes
I'm working hard to follow You
Yes I'm working hard to follow You
I'll keep running, I'll keep running to You
I'll keep running, I'll keep running to You
I'll keep running, I'll keep running to You
I'm working hard to follow You
Yes I'm working hard to follow You
[Repeat]
I will, I'll keep running to You
I will, I'll keep running to You
I will, I'll keep running
I'm working hard to follow You
Yes I will, I'll keep running to You
Yes I will, I'll keep running to You
Yes I will, I'll keep running
I'm working hard to follow You
Yes I will, I'll keep running to You
Yes I will, I'll keep running to You
Yes I will, I'll keep running
I'm working hard to follow You
Yes I will, I'll keep running to You
Yes I will, I'll keep running to You
Yes I will, I'll keep running
I'm working hard
Yes I will, I'll keep running to You
Yes I will, I'll keep running to You
Yes I will, I'll keep running
I'm working hard
To follow You

GRACE PERSONIFIED

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."  Proverbs 22:6 KJV // http://bible.com/1/pro.22.6.KJV

I've never been able to truly describe my encounter with God. As a matter of fact, for a very long time when faced with the question "when did you give your life to Christ"?, I would always stutter.

This is because like many of us out there, I grew up in a Christian home. I am the last of six. And from the day I knew my left from right, I have encountered God in many ways through these lives that preceeded mine and my parents lives as well. I grew up encountering God after series of prayers of agreement and fasting. For every time, we waited on God as a family and He showed up for us, I encountered Him afresh!

For every time, we had to wait a little longer than the last time, for the times it seemed as if He was no longer with us; the times it seemed as though the heavens were closed and we would be so cast down and low in our spirits; I encountered Him afresh! YES! For every time I fell short of His glory and He still made me feel worthy, I encountered Him afresh!

Here's the thing though, at some point in my life my mother was on my case, going on and on about how it is a good thing for a Christian to have a "birthday". She hounded me for years. But I was not bothered. I guess the Holy Spirit agreed with her. Because on this fateful day in my second year in University, "the week of spiritual emphasis" a program that was held every once in a while then was on. The preacher at the end of his sermon made an altar call. Surprisingly, I felt a nudge in my spirit to go forward. It is important to note here that I have never been one to come forward during an altar call. I had Jesus in me from the word go, remember? Lol. Anyways, the nudge became more intense.....so intense I could hear my heart beating, like this was a chance of a lifetime. Like the world would end if I didn't go forward and I would not make heaven. I struggled and struggled, but the Holy Spirit wouldn't let me be. I eventually caved in; and I'm forever grateful I did. Because this particular day marked the beginning of a new Era in my Christian race.

Look at God,  some many years back, I didn't have a birthday. But look at me now. Okay, I digress, the point is, I believe in the fact that some of us are actually born into Christianity and have an understanding of God's love. I believe it is possible for someone to say, "oh, I kinda have always known Christ". Some of us were brought up in the way of the Lord, so no matter how much we deviate, we always find our way back to Him! Yes some of us are the lucky ones! Shout out to our parents for showing us the way.

Notwithstanding, have you publicly identified with Christ? Are you living for Him in spirit and in truth, in secret and in the open?

Yes you and I are the lucky ones, we are not worthy of this love and grace. We are so far from perfect!! So let's not take what we have for granted. The Bible says shall we continue in sin that grace may abound, God forbid! (Romans 6 v 1). There's a lot more for us to experience of our father. Take your love deeper. Don't be complacent with the "I've always been a Christian" talk. Yearn for more! Strive to live a holy life! Strive to make the one true God happy. He deserves it and MORE!!!

As always, I pray the holyspirit helps interpret my words here. While He's at that, here's a beautiful rap song by lecrae ft. Rudy currence "lucky ones". Lovely rythm, awesome lyrics. Please enjoy.

Bask in grace fam!! Cheers

EVEN WHEN IT HURTS

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV

http://bible.com/1/1th.5.18.KJV

Hello people! So today I want to talk about painful circumstances. Basically, times in our lives when our faith is really stretched and tested. Times we never really get to comprehend. Like, "God, I don't get it, why is this happening to me?"

These times are highly crucial in our Christian race and every child of God has gone through this period before. As a matter of fact, trying times are embedded in the "life and times" of every Christian. 

The only difference I believe, is the nature of the painful circumstance. Before I carry on though, I would like to add here, that I'm totally against anyone downplaying another person's struggle. Like, "trust me, you haven't gone through half of what I have". This might be true sometimes, but please I implore us as Christians to never use this line. I detest it. 

Listen, a painful circumstance is any circumstance that shakes your belief! That makes you feel helpless and maybe even hopeless. It makes you feel lost. You are at a crossroad and it feels as though you are jinxed. Nothing seems to be working. You keep praying and hustling but, you are not making progress, at least not physically. You feel like you are stuck on one spot and the world is passing you by. Despite all your efforts to be a good Christian. Hahaha!! It's a nasty period fam. I'm sure you'll agree.

Let's take it a bit deeper to loss....loss of property and even worse loss of life. Has anyone out there ever lost someone dear? Sugar!! This is the worst place to be ever. I think it's the only painful circumstance, I permit the "detested line" I mentioned above. This is like irreparable. Yes, yes, I know we'll get to see our saved loved ones in heaven. But while we are here on earth without them, it can be excruciatingly painful. Shout out to Oluwatosin Olajide! My dear dear cousin in whom i am well pleased. Your death birthed this blog. Look at that!!! Even in death, your work for Christ continues!! Your memory lives on!!. Shout out to Mrs Loice Duru, the mother of my beloved friend, who selflessly shared her great mum with way too many of us. We love you ma, and your legacy  lives on!

Whoosaa!! I don't think pain can be aptly described. When experiencing pain, no matter the degree, it's like a blackout. It's like we are numb, in limbo, we have no idea what to do to make things better. Nothing anyone says or does can really make us feel better. The last thing on our mind is praying or praising God or anything. We just want the world to be still while we try and gather ourselves together. Unfortunately, that never happens.

Music for me, does it!! It might cut it too for someone out there reading this. Music does it right; Hence the importance of listening to edifying songs at a time like this. I'm not saying it's the way out of a painful circumstance or anything. But some songs are just totally relatable. Listening to the lyrics of these songs and chanting them amidst tears can be a form of prayer too; I believe. Okay. Enough! Here's "even when it hurts" by Hillsong again.  Powerful,  Powerful song fam! As always, find the lyrical video below.

Keep hope alive people!

IDOL IN MY HEART

There are those times when we are seeking the face of God for a particular thing. We pray with all our might and strenght, we fast, we meditate, we try to listen for clear instructions. We practically do everything we have learnt so far in our Christian race. But no. Our beloved father seems to be taking His time and we feel He isn't paying any attention to us. We feel abandoned and alone.

This period, I tell you can be mad painful. What is the way out? Trust me, I don't know. Lol. I can only mention a few things we need to check when in this phase, after which it would be safe to conclude that God is probably telling us an outright No or He's telling us to wait because He has something better planned for us. (Trust me, it would remain mad painful until "the something better" comes along, but in the end it usually makes sense and is worth it).

Now, the first thing I believe we should check is this, what is your motive? The bible says;

 "And when you ask, you do not receive it, because your motives are bad; you ask for things to use for your own pleasures."
James 4:3 GNT
http://bible.com/68/jas.4.3.GNT

It's so plain and simple. Why am I asking for this? Is it in line with God's word? Am I asking for this so I can downplay someone else's testimony? I could go on....Actually, I'm kind of stuck here; So, I'll stop at this point and pray that the Holy Spirit interprets further in your hearts and gives you a deeper understanding than one can put in words.

The second thing in our checklist can be found in, Ezekiel 14:1‭-‬4 which says;

"Some of the leaders of the Israelites came to consult me about the Lord's will. Then the Lord spoke to me. “Mortal man,” he said, “these men have given their hearts to idols and are letting idols lead them into sin. Do they think I will give them an answer?  “Now speak to them and tell them what I, the Sovereign Lord, am saying to them: Each of you Israelites who have given your heart to idols and let them lead you into sin and who then come to consult a prophet, will get an answer from me—the answer that your many idols deserve!
http://bible.com/68/ezk.14.1-4.GNT

We can see from the passage above, that the Israelites needed desperately to hear from God. They needed an answer from Him. But He blatantly told them off through the prophet whom they had gone to consult, stating that they had given their hearts to idols and if He was going to respond to them at all, it would be in light of the idols in their hearts. Trust me,  we don't want that. God knows our needs more than we know them. He knows what's best for us. Why limit Him with that idol in our hearts?!

My dear friends, before you blame God and lament that He's not answering your prayers, search yourself as honestly as you can without prejudice. Comb through the corners of your heart. Do you see it now? Do you see the lurking idol/idols in your heart? Do you see your own desire being imposed on God's will?

Great. A problem identified they say is a problem half solved. Quickly repent and drop it at the feet of Jesus. Pray and surrender to God's perfect will. You have no idea how He would grant your request. Don't try and work it out in your head. Pray, let go of your logic and watch Him work!

Whoa! There you have it. My own logic ends here. Honestly, though, God's mercy and grace is all we need to get rid of all these idols and  keep us on track. Thankfully we have this in abundance, so long as we ask.

Going through a phase like this and you are positive your prayers are not plagued by any of these foxes I mentioned above? Hmmmmmm.....i am not understanding(Hehe); However, always remember,  His ways are higher than ours, here's a beautiful song to lift your spirit. Turn it into a prayer, if you may. "Here now" by Hillsong. As always, it's a lyrical video.

Keep hope alive!! Cheers

ANCHOR OF MY SOUL

ANCHOR: ACCORDING TO DICTIONARY.COM MEANS A PERSON OR A THING THAT CAN BE RELIED ON FOR SUPPORT, STABILITY OR SECURITY


Now, where do I start from? How do I even begin? I deeply apologize for my slothfulness dear Lord. I apologize for always wanting my posts to be perfect. I have realized that's not possible. Little wonder I have failed at uploading anything in ages.

I apologize for thinking I had what it takes to make anything perfect! Hahaha. What a joker I have been. I'm sorry for being so strong headed and ignoring you and all the signs. Whoa!! I repent Lord!! You said it, Yes Lord, you said it in your word;

And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
Luke 19:40 KJV
http://bible.com/1/luk.19.40.KJV

You don't need me?!! Who am I? What do I have? It is I that needs you Lord Jesus! I need you like I need air, Jesus. You are the reason for it all. You are the reason I'm still here. I live in a cold cold world, Jesus. I sometimes am close to sinking but, no way. Not on your watch!! You keep me sane. You keep me steady and balanced!! I love you beyond words!!

So fam, my cousin has good news for you on Facebook every week. Her name on Facebook is @faith Adesola. In other words, when I falter; you can always check her page out. (Hopefully, I have learnt my lesson enough and won't falter though, can I get an Amen!?) Shout out to you Faith!

*Drumrolls* my best part of this blog is here. Woohoo!! So I recently just found this band out. Today actually, and I'm feeling their music like cray!  As always I got you the lyrical video. Please, pretty please, even if the music isn't your style, listen till the end. And as I always urge, soak in the lyrics and appreciate God. Enjoy "Anchor of my soul" by Josh garrels.
Have a fabulous weekend people.