How funny is this?

A few weeks ago while I was out in the field exercising, a young boy fell off his bike and his friends broke out into wild laughter. I know how it hurts when you fall off your bike and for that reason I walked over to the boy to make sure nothing serious had happened but alas, he was injured. He had scratches here and there and was bleeding (and probably had a broken toe); I wandered “who laughs and jokes about a fall?” “Who makes a mockery of a fallen friend?” Yeah, I know who does such; Children!  Immature people who don’t know when to laugh and when they should show empathy.

I have observed that many things that should make us weep and pray to God for mercy make us laugh. Why is it that when something negative happens to a Christian leader we- fellow Christians- spread the news, laugh and make mockery of the person involved? When did it become funny that a comrade is wounded? What exactly is funny or praiseworthy in the failure of a fellow believer?  It is childishness, irresponsibility, illiteracy and absolute foolishness to laugh and publicize the failure or fall of another.

How come it is very difficult for us to pick up our phones to call people to share the good news of Gods love, yet, when we hear of an issue with our fellow laborer in the vineyard we have plenty time to call as many people to talk and laugh about it. We used to have zero tolerance for gossip and backbiting but these days several Christians and even some so called pastors have made their homes a place for gossip. It should not be so. We should be instruments of healing and not objects of destruction; but we have made a mockery of ourselves and the World is watching us disgrace ourselves thereby dragging the name of the Lord to shame.

Some gossip with fellow Church folks and others gossip with non-believers; are we not shamed of what is happening among us? If a brother falls into sin should we not pray for his restoration rather than laugh about it? If a brother’s marriage fails should we make a mockery of him and spread the news? Is the Bible not clear about how we should handle issues relating to a brother/sister’s error?  Did the Bible say “when you hear your brother has fallen, pick up your phone, or jump on your computer and make a call/send an email and spread the bad news abroad”? Did the Bible teach that we have a right to judge and condemn those who make a mistake or fall into sin, or fail in ministry/marriage? No! When things like this happen we cannot “…publish it in the streets…lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph” -2 Samuel 1:20

Before the wrath of God comes upon us I send out this warning:

1)     Refrain from gossiping about men/women of God. God has not made you their judge- Who are we to judge another man’s servant? (cf. Romans 14:4)

2)     Rebuke members of your family or sheepfold who involve themselves in this hideous act

3)     If you are one of those whose wives have what someone has called “verbal diarrhea”, please call her to order before she brings a curse to your home

4)     If your husband is one of the unfortunate men who involve themselves in “old wives’ tales”, I implore you to implore him to desist from such demeaning lifestyle; men ought always to pray and not gossip (cf. Luke 18:1).

5)     It is not too late to repent and ask God to have mercy on us.

Finally my brethren, I urge you to consider your ways. Let us not tempt Christ as some people did in the past and were killed by snakes. Stop gossiping and murmuring as some have murmured and were destroyed. Let him/her who thinks he is standing strong be careful else he fall (cf. I Corinthians 10:9-12). Let God judge His servants who bring shame to His name, stay out of it, you are too small to be involved in this. If you have to say something about it, pray; if you cannot pray about it then, sorry to say, shut your mouth.

Help for my Native Land

Every morning when I wake up, I kneel down to pray and give thanks to God for my life, my family, friends, partners and everyone connected to me in one way or the other. I used to have a prayer list, but now, I must confess I do not have a list anymore. It is probably not possible to keep a list of all the people I pray for. But anyway, I do find a way to pray for everyone connected to me directly or indirectly. However I am concerned about certain things happening in my home land. My motherland.

It hurts me to see that almost every day of the week my home land is in the news. It is either some crazy terrorists have blown up a church and somehow someone connected to me is either hurt or killed, or a plane crashes into a building and several people are roasted. Many times I read about armed bandits waylaying travelers, they rob and sometimes kill. Robbers can strike anywhere; homes, banks, schools and etc and at any time with such impunity and I wonder, do we still have police there? Which should I mention? The ritual killings, Police brutality and acute corruption, the lack of leadership, Government embezzlement of public funds, Poverty, Sicknesses, Commercial Motor bikes maiming people daily?

The most painful is news related to the Church. The so called body of Christ in Nigeria seems to be in a state of complacency. I use the word "complacency" for lack of a better word that will not make it sound like I am anti church. Honestly, I am concerned about the Church. My concern dates back to the 90s when the prosperity message took centre stage. People were told that it was not possible to serve God and not have money. I'm not sure I hate money, I'm not sure I love it either. But the problem is that the preachers made it look like prosperity is money and whoever does not have money is not prosperous. Not as if they taught people the principles of making money. No, people were made to see God as a "money doubler"- "give to God and he will double what you give". Preachers started living extravagantly, brandishing expensive cars, houses, wristwatches and etc. I wonder who they really look like (definitely not our Lord Jesus whose lifestyle was an example for all). After many years of such preaching only the preachers and a few hard working Church goers who understood the principle of 'sowing and reaping' (buying where things are cheap and selling where it is expensive, investing in various fertile areas) and a few others who learned to provide services that people need, prospered. Then came the miracle preaching and preachers.  And then the prophetic preachers. And now, I am afraid to say, might be harsh, but I think the Church in Nigeria needs urgent "Spirituomedical" help.

I am not here to talk about the Church, but my concern for my country is that if the church is in such a state then she is powerless to help the nation. I believe that the church is so powerful that if we, who are called by His name, can only get our act together, team up with others (denominations and Para church organizations, etc.) and take a stand, things will change in that land. I believe that we are not just the salt of the earth; we are the light of the land. But when people's motive for entering the ministry is money then you know that the journey is far. When Christian leaders keep fighting for positions within the church then you know that ignorance has taken over the church. When you see preachers staging miracles just to prove to people that they are what they are not, you know that the end is near. When you see lying prophets in the house and nobody is bold enough to tell them they are telling lies, we are finished. When church folks laugh, applaud and agree with every message preached by different preacher, then something is not right.

I pray for my country Nigeria that God would purge the land and wipe out, in His own special way, all those corrupt politicians. I pray for the great citizens of that country that the eyes of their understanding be opened to know who they are and what the Lord has invested in them. I pray for those bringing shame to the nation that God should bring them to repentance.

And for those killing innocent people, blowing up Churches and shedding blood, I have prayed that the same measure you give shall come back to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over; bloodshed will not cease in your household and your generation. To the perpetrators of wickedness and all their sponsors God will punish you and for the remaining days of your miserable life you shall not see anything good.

Indeed it takes more than prayer to solve the problems of my dear native land. We expect the emergence of a new generation of creative thinkers and leaders. I think this current crop of politicians (who indeed are the same old breed), need to sit down or be made to sit down so the fresh brains and fresh hands can apply modern leadership techniques and see how the country can stand back on her feet. I think that people should begin to stand up and speak up. I think we should all begin to do something small in our various corners to effect change. I believe that the time has come for all true Nigerians to stop doing things for self aggrandizement and start doing things for the good of the nation. Let us not criticize the government of corruption when we are corrupt in our own kitchens. If we do not remove the speck in our own eyes as individuals, how can we then see the logs in the eyes of others. Change is now and change starts with you!

This husband of mine- For ladies only

Is it just me or are there other women out there who wonder why our sweet husbands sometimes get on our nerves? I mean, he used to be sweet and extremely caring (saying the right words, doing the right things and etc) before we got married. But now…Hmm! When he was dating me he said all kind of sweet words to me, sent me several text messages every day, tells me how much he loves me and how desperate he is to make me his wife and live with me “… happily ever after”. He remembered all the special dates and did something special every year. He called over five times in a day to check on me, he opened the car door for me, held my hand to help me out of the car; he made me feel so wonderful and special. He sent me several surprise gifts; in fact one day he showed up in my office and made a ‘sweet little show’ of love. I loved it. I loved him so much for the sweet things he did to woo me. Even when some people thought he was not the best for me I paid them no attention because I saw his actions and it convinced me beyond every reasonable doubt that he was the man for me.

Now we are married and it feels like there is a little bit of change. Sometimes I have to ask him if he loves me before he responds sluggishly “I love you baby”. He wakes up and rushes out to work and when I text or call him he is always in a hurry and goes “…baby I got to go now I have a…” and he hangs up. When he comes back from work he is so tired that sometimes he sleeps off while having dinner and other times he dozes off while I tell him how my day went. The hugs are still there though, but a lot less than it used to be. Now I get hugged when he's about to rush off to work (when he remembers) and sometimes when he gets back (if I’m home). He kisses me like once (when he is in the mood) and for sex? You don’t want to know.

I talked with my friend Katy about it the other day and she told me that my case is a lot better and I was like “are you kidding me?”. Well, when she told me her story I ran home to go love my sweet Joe who is working hard to take care of me and our two kids and probably need a little bit more involvement from me than I am giving. I have always thought that if a man loves me he should come get me. True that, but again, I realized that a good man who loves you will go the extra mile to provide for you and sometimes in the course of that he will return home tired, harassed by work, boss and people ( that he comes home to me alone is a big show of love). I realized that I can bridge the gap between us even though I am busy too. If he is not texting me, then I can text him. If he is not calling then I can call him. Since he is at work it doesn’t make sense for me to call him and take all the time telling stories about how Tina offended our boss; I can call him briefly and tell him I love him and ask him what he would love to eat or what he will want to do when we get home. I learnt that when he is at work there is little I can do to help his day, but when he comes back home there is a lot I can do to make his “homecoming” pleasant, pleasurable and sweet. I didn’t know this but I have come to know that I can have a big influence on his day by what I do when he is home. Now I understand why God made the “…Sun to rule by day and the Moon by night”. I am taking my place and I am reigning in my domain. I have decided to give him a great memory every time he comes back home. I talk less and let him see more of me. I offer myself to be an effective and efficient “…help meet for him.”



I know ladies like to be chased and we expect the men to come for us, but this man chased me and got me, he is working hard to support me and our kids; there is nothing wrong if sometimes we switch roles. So sometimes I let him chase me and when he slows down I in turn chase him to bring his whole attention back to me. Love is give and take, sometimes you give and other times you take. If you want anything, give it and you should get it back. So far, it is effective and we both enjoy it when we have to be chased. Don’t be fooled ladies, men also like to be chased sometimes; there is always that element in all humans-we all like to be desired, petted and sought after. So does your man, if he does not do those sweet things anymore, it might be that it is your turn to chase him and win him back. If you love him, do everything godly, legal and what your heart permits you to do to get him coming for you.

Enjoy!

Names mentioned is this article are fictitious and has no relation/connection to anyone you know.

It is in your mouth

Our world offers neither help for today nor hope for tomorrow. The news

 everyday seems to tell us that we are hopeless and useless. We hear of wars

 and rumours of wars, famine, poverty, diseases, shootings, untimely death and the likes. You can't seem to be able to avoid it; it's in the newspapers,

on Television and internet; it's just everywhere! It is easy to allow these

discouraging events around our environment affect our lives and our

perception about who we are and what Christ has done for us. But thanks be

 to God who leads us to triumph! Yes! He is leading us to triumph over the

 host of hell and the enemies of our soul. He is leading us to victory over

 affliction and all strange infirmities. He is leading us to cast down every

 word and strange imagination which has risen against us and against his

 word and will. Thanks be to God for we are not swallowed up by the heart

 breaking news we hear daily rather we rise above the storms of bad

 news by counter- attacking them with Gods word.

·      God's word is strong, powerful and very efficacious. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands for ever (cf. Isaiah 40:8).

·      Heaven and Earth shall pass away but God's word shall not pass away (cf. Luke 21:23)

·      By his word the heavens and the earth was created (cf. John 1:4)

·      God’s word is life, strength for the weak, hope for the hopeless, grace for tomorrow. His word is sharper than any two edged sword (cf. Hebrews 4:12)

indeed the word of God is a light that shines in darkness  and darkness cannot comprehend it.

 We need to understand the power that we have in God's word. For when we

 understand that, we are able to overcome the attacks of the evil one and

 his wiles. The evil one has connived with several of his agents  (including all propagators of bad news) to weaken and frustrate us, but we  can overcome him by '…the word of our testimony*…' Revelation 12:11. Yes!

 The word of our testimony!

 There are two important things we need to consider:

1.     The word of God as a tool

2.     Our testimony as a weapon

 *The word as a tool*

 Faith comes by hearing…and hearing 'word' (cf. Romans 10:17). So also fear comes by hearing words. If we continue to hear negative words, it won't be long before fear envelopes us. But the word of God is a strong device with which we counter every negative word. The more of God's word we speak the less effect the enemy has on us. The more we speak God's word the more we weaken the hold of the devil upon our lives.

For “it” to be 'word' it has to be spoken.  ["Logos" is Jesus, the spoken word of our Creator; the action in God's command.  The "doing" moves things from God's 'to do list' to God's 'it is done' or 'it is finished' list].  Jesus came as God's spoken word to convey the good news, which we call the Gospel. What if He would not speak of God's love to us?  But He did, He could not remain quiet.

You do not keep quiet and hope that the word which you know will make a way or fight for you. Even though you know the word and have it in your heart, you have to 'speak' for it to have effect. The lord said to the prophet 'prophesy to these bones and SAY …' [emphasis mine (cf. Ezekiel 37:4)]; what this implies is that the bones have ears. Those challenges in your life have ears. Prophesy to them. Speak to them! If you can say to this mountain be removed, it shall be moved. For nothing is impossible for you (cf. Matthew 17:20). Just speak the word!

*Our testimony as a weapon*

 "In the law <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law>, *testimony* is a form of  evidence <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evidence_%28law%29> that is obtained from a witness <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witness> who makes a solemn  statement or declaration of fact"  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Testimony).

When we open our mouth to tell of the goodness of our Lord, we declare to the world that God's word is true. Many times we speak the word of God over our circumstances and yet do not have results, could it be that it’s because we have neglected the great commission given to us by our Lord Jesus. *The gospel is the '…power of God unto salvation…' (cf. Romans 1:16) *and not telling the good news of God's wonderful works in your life may just delay someone's salvation.

I know you may have some temporal challenges in your life right now, but there is a lot God has done for you and sharing it can save someone out there. There may be weaknesses in your body right now but your miracle may just be in your reaching out to those who are lost. You may be facing some "goliaths" right now but you can overcome them by '...the word of your testimony'. Child of God, open your mouth and tell your friends and neighbours about the goodness of the Lord.

There is a miracle in your mouth; speak the word to our sick world. Raise your voice, hold not your peace. Tell about God's faithfulness. Let the world know that indeed 'our God reigns'

 *God In need*

 We often pray for the Lord to meet our needs, but how many of us have interest in meeting God's need? God has a need too! He needs you and me to be his worthy ambassadors here on earth. He needs you to be his agent of truth in a world where lies have been magnified and 'holyfied'. He needs us to be instruments of change, restoration and healing to a dying world. God needs you.

Let us not keep asking God to meet our need. If you know how to meet His need he will take care of you. I dare you to meet God's need and watch him bless you beyond your wildest imagination. I dare you to commit yourself to God's mission and see the lord make a wonder out of you. Then you will be a victor rather than a victim. You will become the head and not the tail. Be a man/woman after God's heart; meet the masters need. Talk about his awesome faithfulness. Let the world know that our God is an awesome God.

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, " Your God reigns*!-Isaiah 52:7 (NKJV