Earlier this year, I read a book called 'The Secret'. It isn't a Christian book; but it used christian principles to explain some theories.
The book talks about the creative process and explains that this theory was taken from the New Testament in the Bible. The creative process is an easy guideline to create what you want in three simple steps:
Step 1: ASK
'The Secret' states that you must be clear about what you want. If you're not clear, then you will not get want you want.You don't have to ask over and over again. After all, you don't order something from a catalogue over and over again. You order once, so ask once.
STEP 2: BELIEVE
The book says that once you have asked, you must believe that you have received. You must know that what you want is yours the moment you ask. You must have complete and utter faith.
"See the things that you want as already yours. Know that they will come to you at need. Don't fret and worry about them. Don't think about your lack of them. Think of them as yours, as belonging to you, as already in your possession." (Robert Collier 1885-1950)
How your prayers will be answered is not your concern or job. When you wonder about the how, you're just exhibiting a lack of faith.
STEP 3: RECEIVE
Feel and act as though you have received it. Begin to feel wonderful about it. Feel the way it will feel once it arrives.
I have listened to a wide range of sermons preached on this topic, especially sermons on faith. Immediately after listening to such sermons, I apply these principles to everything, but after a while I forget, and I become preoccupied with other things.
However, when I read this book which is clearly not a christian book, it struck me that more and more non christians are tapping into christian principles and are using them to prosper and forge ahead in life.
Meanwhile, a lot of us christians have become so fearful and so devil focussed that we have missed the plot. We are not using the guidelines given to us in the Bible to live our lives.
I read this book over and over again, and decided that I would apply these principles all the time - in and out of season. As a result, I have worked harder this year than I have worked in a long time. I know that I won't get what I want by lying on my bed all day dreaming about all my answered prayers; but it doesn't feel like work because I am acting to receive.
"And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and (really) believing , you will receive." (Mathew 21:22 Amp)
"For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident)that it is granted to you, and you will (get it)". (Mark 11:24 Amp.)
Remember that Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness. (Gen 15:6)
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Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
LORD WHY HIM, AND NOT ME?
For the past few weeks, entertainment news columns have been awash with the news about the death of a young Nigerian artiste called Dagrin.
I thought that I had never heard of this particular artiste until I read that he had written the song kondo. Surprisingly, I knew the song because my son had drawn my attention to it as a song that he had heard and liked while he was at NYSC camp. I remember us laughing about the fact that the song was in Yoruba, and that his Yoruba was bound to improve if he listened to more Yoruba songs.
Dagrin (Dapo Olaitan Olanipekun) died at the age of 27 in a fatal motor accident. He ran into a stationary trailer in front of Mushin police station. He was rushed to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), and barely twenty-four hours after he was admitted to LUTH, its resident doctors went on strike to protest government neglect.
I cried. I cried because this young man could have become something - President, Governor, Pastor. He was well on his way to becoming something.
Some people said that he probably had been drinking; but I had to ask God, 'there's nothing that this young man did, that most youths don't do, so Lord, why him and not anybody else; why him and not me?'
I know that it isn't because You love me more than You love your saints, or is it because You love them too much and want them with You? Or is it that they've run their own race and have done what You sent them to do?
What then, is my purpose on this earth. Am I doing what You brought me to this earth for?
This time last year, I wouldn't have been able to answer that question positively; but now I know that I can. After years of running helter skelter, going for various programmes, night vigils, joining prayer groups and helping other people run their own race, I finally knew what my purpose was. It was so simple, that I almost missed it. In fact, for two whole years, I dodged it because I refused to accept that was what God wanted of me. But He is so merciful, He waited for me and kept guiding me until I realised it.
Thank You Lord for waiting for me. Thank You for Your patience. Thank You for not raising others to take my place, and thank You for raising up helpers to assist me in doing this work.
I'm sure that by now, you're all curious about what my purpose is. That, my people, is a story for another day.
Until then, I pray that God will help each and everyone of you find their purpose. We will all fulfil destiny in Jesus Mighty and Glorious Name, Amen.
Psalm 103: 8 -11
"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him".
I thought that I had never heard of this particular artiste until I read that he had written the song kondo. Surprisingly, I knew the song because my son had drawn my attention to it as a song that he had heard and liked while he was at NYSC camp. I remember us laughing about the fact that the song was in Yoruba, and that his Yoruba was bound to improve if he listened to more Yoruba songs.
Dagrin (Dapo Olaitan Olanipekun) died at the age of 27 in a fatal motor accident. He ran into a stationary trailer in front of Mushin police station. He was rushed to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), and barely twenty-four hours after he was admitted to LUTH, its resident doctors went on strike to protest government neglect.
I cried. I cried because this young man could have become something - President, Governor, Pastor. He was well on his way to becoming something.
Some people said that he probably had been drinking; but I had to ask God, 'there's nothing that this young man did, that most youths don't do, so Lord, why him and not anybody else; why him and not me?'
I know that it isn't because You love me more than You love your saints, or is it because You love them too much and want them with You? Or is it that they've run their own race and have done what You sent them to do?
What then, is my purpose on this earth. Am I doing what You brought me to this earth for?
This time last year, I wouldn't have been able to answer that question positively; but now I know that I can. After years of running helter skelter, going for various programmes, night vigils, joining prayer groups and helping other people run their own race, I finally knew what my purpose was. It was so simple, that I almost missed it. In fact, for two whole years, I dodged it because I refused to accept that was what God wanted of me. But He is so merciful, He waited for me and kept guiding me until I realised it.
Thank You Lord for waiting for me. Thank You for Your patience. Thank You for not raising others to take my place, and thank You for raising up helpers to assist me in doing this work.
I'm sure that by now, you're all curious about what my purpose is. That, my people, is a story for another day.
Until then, I pray that God will help each and everyone of you find their purpose. We will all fulfil destiny in Jesus Mighty and Glorious Name, Amen.
Psalm 103: 8 -11
"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him".
Thursday, March 18, 2010
HE WHO SINGS WELL, PRAYS TWICE
I'm so sorry for the long absence. I can't believe that this is my first blog this year, and we're already in March. I have a lot of catching up to do.
St. Augustine said "Qui bene cantat bis orat". In English this means, he who sings well, prays twice.
There are so many times, I've tried to pray, but I find that my mind's too busy or I keep getting distracted, or sometimes, I find myself dozing off.
However, when I'm singing, it's a different thing altogether. I can sing and sing and sing, and then prayer comes naturally. Sometimes, I'm in the mood for choruses, and other times, it's me and my hymn book.
I sing songs like O God our help in Ages past, and while singing, I remember to that Him for where I am today - that I was born, went to school, received an education, got married, have children, have a career, and the list is endless.
When I sing "Great is thy faithfulness", I realise that He truly has been faithful. There are so many things that I didn't consult Him about, because I was ignorant; but He made them work for my good.
When I sing "Through all the changing scenes of life", I remember all that my times are in His hands.
My people, let's sing and sing and sing. Most importantly, let's teach our children how to sing. Do you remember when we would have morning assembly with our Songs of Praise hymn books? Most schools don't do that anymore. Most of the hymns I know today, I learnt in school. I even know some of them off head. It is indeed a worthy heritage.
In closing, I quote from Ephesians 5:19 - "Speak out to one another in Paslms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices (and instruments) and making melody with all your heart to the Lord". Amen.
St. Augustine said "Qui bene cantat bis orat". In English this means, he who sings well, prays twice.
There are so many times, I've tried to pray, but I find that my mind's too busy or I keep getting distracted, or sometimes, I find myself dozing off.
However, when I'm singing, it's a different thing altogether. I can sing and sing and sing, and then prayer comes naturally. Sometimes, I'm in the mood for choruses, and other times, it's me and my hymn book.
I sing songs like O God our help in Ages past, and while singing, I remember to that Him for where I am today - that I was born, went to school, received an education, got married, have children, have a career, and the list is endless.
When I sing "Great is thy faithfulness", I realise that He truly has been faithful. There are so many things that I didn't consult Him about, because I was ignorant; but He made them work for my good.
When I sing "Through all the changing scenes of life", I remember all that my times are in His hands.
My people, let's sing and sing and sing. Most importantly, let's teach our children how to sing. Do you remember when we would have morning assembly with our Songs of Praise hymn books? Most schools don't do that anymore. Most of the hymns I know today, I learnt in school. I even know some of them off head. It is indeed a worthy heritage.
In closing, I quote from Ephesians 5:19 - "Speak out to one another in Paslms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices (and instruments) and making melody with all your heart to the Lord". Amen.
Monday, November 30, 2009
THE SECRET PLACE
The Psalmist says "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1)
What is that secret place?
For me, it is that place where I can place my head on the Lord's bossom, and be myself.
It is the place where I can tell Him things that are meant only for his ears.
It is that place where He can tell me what He wants of me, and I can say "Yes".
There are no pretensions in this place, because He knows me and everything about me.
He knows about the times when I have exceeded expecteations; and the times when I have failed, (sometimes woefully).
In that secret place, I can confess my failings without fear of condemnation. However, I do get admonished lots of times.
Sometimes in the secret place, He gives me tasks and even attaches deadlines to them.
Being in the secret place does not mean immunity from trouble; but that in the multitude of the anxieties around me, His comforts will delight my soul. (Psalm 94:19)
As we prepare for the holiday season, let us all try to spend time in 'the secret place.'
What is that secret place?
For me, it is that place where I can place my head on the Lord's bossom, and be myself.
It is the place where I can tell Him things that are meant only for his ears.
It is that place where He can tell me what He wants of me, and I can say "Yes".
There are no pretensions in this place, because He knows me and everything about me.
He knows about the times when I have exceeded expecteations; and the times when I have failed, (sometimes woefully).
In that secret place, I can confess my failings without fear of condemnation. However, I do get admonished lots of times.
Sometimes in the secret place, He gives me tasks and even attaches deadlines to them.
Being in the secret place does not mean immunity from trouble; but that in the multitude of the anxieties around me, His comforts will delight my soul. (Psalm 94:19)
As we prepare for the holiday season, let us all try to spend time in 'the secret place.'
Saturday, October 31, 2009
I HAVE NO HUSBAND
One of my favorite Bible stories is in John 4:3-26.
This woman had been through all the motions - hungry, searching, love, lust, abandoned and the cycle continued.
The Middle East, the region in which this story is set is hot, dry and dusty. So why would anyone in their right minds go and fetch water at noon when the sun is at it's peak. She was probably a pariah and went out of her way to avoid being the topic of gossip.
Even by today's standards, it's quite a feat for a woman to have had five failed marriages. Imagine this woman as one of the congregation in church, would we not gossip about her and cast aspersions about her chracter, especially as she was currently living in sin? Would we accept her into the school of evengelists or workers training or even dare I say, Bible college?
To have had five failed relationships, she was obviously looking for something that no man could give her, and she didn't find it until she went to fetch water and found our Lord Jesus sitting by the well.
What she was looking for is no different from what a lot of us women are also looking for today:
Acknowledgement:
Jesus addressed her. He asked her for a drink. Her self esteem was so low by now that she must have been really shocked. 'You a Jew asking me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?'
We also want to be acknowledged for the little things we do daily. It's painful when the focus is on our mistakes rather than the little things we manage to get right.
Acceptance
Jesus continued conversing with her even though he knew that she didn't understand what he was referring to. She was looking for a way to end some part of her drudgery; but he was offering her freedom for life; freedom from judgement; and He was offering her peace.
Jesus says to her "Go and bring your husband". How many of us would have answered truthfully. I know that I would have said "He has travelled", or mumbled some excuse. Obviously, this woman was looking for something and knew that her solution lay in being honest with this stranger.
For those of us that are married, let's be honest, would our husbands follow us to meet one stranger by the well? In fact, if you dare repeat your encounter with this stranger, aren't you bound to receive some well meaning advice about your gullibility or stupidity?
If I was that woman, I know that my husband would not follow me to meet such a man; so what would I have said to Jesus? 'Indeed Lord, I am a believer; but my husband and I are not on the same page spiritually. He won't come'?
I the tongue speaking sister cannot convince my husband to come for a church program.
Jesus asked her to bring her husband, because salvation is for families. Many of us who are married know that our husbands whilst being the head of the home are not the spiritual heads. In fact, we women have gone on to ahead to take charge of the spiritual headship of the family, because our husbands are sleeping.
A woman who had been scorned and looked down upon, became a source of good news. Souls were saved because she ran with the news she heard. One encounter with Jesus and this woman could not wait to share the Good News. She forgot about her self esteem. She had something worth listening to and she was not ashamed to share it.
My sisters, one encounter and the Samaritans received Christ. What have we done with all the sermons and revivals we've attended. How many souls have we brought into the Kingdom because of one sermon we listened to? How many people have we encouraged?
Let's imagine that the woman by the well had met Jesus when she was with her first husband. She would have realised that no man can satisfy her longings for love, acceptance and acknowledgement; but even after five husbands, it wasn't too late for her.
If it wasn't too late for her, then it definitely isn't too late for us. My sisters out there who have been disappointed in relationships with friends, husbands, children, don't despair. Look unto Jesus. He'll give you a fresh start. Confess your mistakes to him and he'll give you a new story. Jesus did not judge the woman and He most certainly won't judge you.
Leave your waterpot with the unfulfilled dreams and broken promises at His well, and he'll give you living water, which will lead to everlasting life. He'll introduce you to the Holy Spirit, the spirit of truth and wisdom who will guide you and prevent you from making the same mistakes.
You too will go on and tell everyone, 'Come and meet a man who told me everything I ever did! This is my Messiah. Instead of judgement, He gave me living water. Instead of condemnation, he gave me hope. He has given me a new life. He hasn't given up on me, therefore I will not give up on myself. He has given me another chance and He will give you one too. Just take the first step, and come and meet Him.
This woman had been through all the motions - hungry, searching, love, lust, abandoned and the cycle continued.
The Middle East, the region in which this story is set is hot, dry and dusty. So why would anyone in their right minds go and fetch water at noon when the sun is at it's peak. She was probably a pariah and went out of her way to avoid being the topic of gossip.
Even by today's standards, it's quite a feat for a woman to have had five failed marriages. Imagine this woman as one of the congregation in church, would we not gossip about her and cast aspersions about her chracter, especially as she was currently living in sin? Would we accept her into the school of evengelists or workers training or even dare I say, Bible college?
To have had five failed relationships, she was obviously looking for something that no man could give her, and she didn't find it until she went to fetch water and found our Lord Jesus sitting by the well.
What she was looking for is no different from what a lot of us women are also looking for today:
Acknowledgement:
Jesus addressed her. He asked her for a drink. Her self esteem was so low by now that she must have been really shocked. 'You a Jew asking me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?'
We also want to be acknowledged for the little things we do daily. It's painful when the focus is on our mistakes rather than the little things we manage to get right.
Acceptance
Jesus continued conversing with her even though he knew that she didn't understand what he was referring to. She was looking for a way to end some part of her drudgery; but he was offering her freedom for life; freedom from judgement; and He was offering her peace.
Jesus says to her "Go and bring your husband". How many of us would have answered truthfully. I know that I would have said "He has travelled", or mumbled some excuse. Obviously, this woman was looking for something and knew that her solution lay in being honest with this stranger.
For those of us that are married, let's be honest, would our husbands follow us to meet one stranger by the well? In fact, if you dare repeat your encounter with this stranger, aren't you bound to receive some well meaning advice about your gullibility or stupidity?
If I was that woman, I know that my husband would not follow me to meet such a man; so what would I have said to Jesus? 'Indeed Lord, I am a believer; but my husband and I are not on the same page spiritually. He won't come'?
I the tongue speaking sister cannot convince my husband to come for a church program.
Jesus asked her to bring her husband, because salvation is for families. Many of us who are married know that our husbands whilst being the head of the home are not the spiritual heads. In fact, we women have gone on to ahead to take charge of the spiritual headship of the family, because our husbands are sleeping.
A woman who had been scorned and looked down upon, became a source of good news. Souls were saved because she ran with the news she heard. One encounter with Jesus and this woman could not wait to share the Good News. She forgot about her self esteem. She had something worth listening to and she was not ashamed to share it.
My sisters, one encounter and the Samaritans received Christ. What have we done with all the sermons and revivals we've attended. How many souls have we brought into the Kingdom because of one sermon we listened to? How many people have we encouraged?
Let's imagine that the woman by the well had met Jesus when she was with her first husband. She would have realised that no man can satisfy her longings for love, acceptance and acknowledgement; but even after five husbands, it wasn't too late for her.
If it wasn't too late for her, then it definitely isn't too late for us. My sisters out there who have been disappointed in relationships with friends, husbands, children, don't despair. Look unto Jesus. He'll give you a fresh start. Confess your mistakes to him and he'll give you a new story. Jesus did not judge the woman and He most certainly won't judge you.
Leave your waterpot with the unfulfilled dreams and broken promises at His well, and he'll give you living water, which will lead to everlasting life. He'll introduce you to the Holy Spirit, the spirit of truth and wisdom who will guide you and prevent you from making the same mistakes.
You too will go on and tell everyone, 'Come and meet a man who told me everything I ever did! This is my Messiah. Instead of judgement, He gave me living water. Instead of condemnation, he gave me hope. He has given me a new life. He hasn't given up on me, therefore I will not give up on myself. He has given me another chance and He will give you one too. Just take the first step, and come and meet Him.
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