FAITH, OUR LIFELINE

“What we read in Scripture is “Abraham entered into what God was doing for him and that was the turning point. He trusted God to set him right instead of trying to do right on his own” Romans 4.3, the Message Bible

Faith is the lifeline of a Christian: not the faith of the natural but the spiritual. Yet our actions often tell a different story – displaying the former rather than the latter. Faith is an experience not just knowledge. It demonstrates a work of intelligence that cannot be understood by our mind. That is the reason faith cannot be subjected to sensory deductions – the root of unbelief.

“He didn’t tiptoe around God’s promises asking cautiously sceptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God  would make good on what he had said” Romans 4.20-21. The Message Bible

Jesus lived a life of faith and judged all things by faith. To his disciples when they saw such manifestation “Have faith in God”. Faith is acting with authority in all matters having an inner confidence of the REVEALED TRUTH. Without the faith of Jesus, we lack the power to deal with the challenges and issues of life and therefore become subject to them. Jesus spoke and acted as a man with dominion over all things. The centurion said of Him “But only speak the word and my servant shall be healed” Mathew 8.8NKJV

 Faith is influential. In a world that is reeling in darkness, the operation of our faith shines through to point the way out for them. Be a person of boldness exercising control over the issues of your life. Live with authority: LIVE BY THE FAITH OF GOD.

IN HIS LIKENESS

“For (of course) every house is built and furnished by someone but the Builder of all things and the Furnisher (of the entire equipment of all things) is God” Hebrews 3.4 Amplified Bible

Can a fish live out of water? Can a branch survive outside the stem? Can a man be without the breath of life? Yet, that we often choose to live without the guidance of God. We have elevated the mind over the spirit yet we are spirit beings made to function like God using the platform of our mind.

There is nothing wrong with personal responsibility because it is a spiritual truth “faith without works is dead” but the misconception is acting independently of God. This is the failure of the world system and the root of the consequences we suffer in various forms today.

Do you think the fish ever gets tired of living in water that it seeks to live on the land? No! So why does man think that living exclusively of God is wisdom? The world is groaning under the weight of the ‘independent ‘thoughts of people who do not acknowledge God. We are created to live out of His thoughts which are perfect. Adam tried disobedience and the earth lapsed into sin. Jesus walked in obedience and salvation has come.

Take a restorative step today to dwell in the divine – the place of God’s thoughts IN CHRIST. Address every issue, concern or fears before Him for He already has the outcome and will guide you into its experience effortlessly. Like the fish, you will be swimming joyfully in the river of life all of your days.

SLOGANS OF WISDOM

Companies all over the world and especially the famous brands strive to have logos and slogans that give the essence of their organisation in very simple pictures and words. I am very sure that most did not think of a spiritual relevance when such slogans were conceived. But I discovered that a lot of spiritual wisdom is embedded in some of these slogans and here are a few of them. 

NIKE', a sportswear company has  " JUST DO IT! - When God asks us to seek His counsel and guidance for our lives, let us not hesitate to do so neither be be doubtful but we should " JUST DO IT! So His Word says in Isaiah 1.19" If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land"

AMX, a software company has  " IT'S YOUR WORLD. TAKE CONTROL -  The Bible in Revelation 5.10 " And have made us kings and priests to our God. And we shall reign on the earth". As God has said, so it is therefore IT'S YOUR WORLD. TAKE CONTROL and begin to rule in influence over it.

FUJITSU information technology company, has " THE POSSIBILITIES ARE INFINITE" - In Luke 1.37, we know that with God, nothing will be impossible and therefore " THE POSSIBILITIES ARE INFINITE". Go explore and be creative in HIS wisdom to impact the world.

TOSHIBA , a conglomerate, computer systems and electronics company has " COMMITTED TO PEOPLE. COMMITTED TO THE FUTURE" - Isn't that what God does for us all the time? caring about our well-being . His Word says ' For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil to give you a future and a hope" Jeremiah 29.11. So when concerns and fears arise, be settled in your heart that GOD IS " COMMITTED TO PEOPLE.COMMITTED TO THE FUTURE" Fear Not!

TIME WARNER CABLE a television and high speed digital TV and phone service company, has " THE POWER OF YOU" -The whole essence of our salvation is that we  have every ability IN CHRIST to achieve beyond our wildest dreams, imagination and thoughts." I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4.13. So never think less of yourself but believe and go forth to accomplish God's plans for your life recognising the " POWER OF YOU" always in every situation. You can excel!

SWEET SLEEP

" When you lie down, you will not be afraid. Yes , you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet" Proverbs 3.24NKJV

SLEEP is the state where our "consciousness ceases and bodily functions slow down or cease. It is a state of natural inactivity" as defined by Websters English Dictionary. The Bible calls it a state of SWEET SLEEP which God ordained for man and animals to provide the rest for each day. However, there are many who cannot have this wonderful experience while others who do are unappreciative at how blessed they are. As I pondered on this, I recalled the death of Michael Jackson from a heart failure in 2009 at 50years. One of his many health issues at the time of death as several reports stated was insomnia - an inability to sleep. He was so desperate to SLEEP that he ended up taking Propofol, an intravenous anesthesia used in surgery and intensive care patients in coma. This drug was not approved as a sleep medication and could cause heart failure. What a tragedy. So, when next you do not think that God has been good to you or in even your thanksgiving times, don't forget to add your times of peaceful rest. For Micheal Jackson, despite his fame and fortune could not even sleep as you do.

GOD, OUR HELPER

" God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" Psalm 46.1. 
DANGER! an experience that is lurking around us everyday and everywhere and yet much of it is unseen and not easily recognisable to our senses. Various events and personal experiences testifies to this  such as the World Trade Centre and Pentagon attacks, Sweden's Island Killings, the UN building in Lagos bombing. suicide bombings across the world, schoolyard killings, murders, accidents to natural disasters as earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and tsunamis. Everywhere are signs of dangerous situations from the private to pubic spheres of life. But we must take comfort in the above Word about the Presence of GOD to help us in these difficult and challenging times to get through them, deal with our fears and help us avoid them. For to seek to live with the knowledge of our senses alone will only put us in the very line of danger that we wish to avoid.

BE THANKFUL FOR SMALL BEGININGS

" Do not despise this small beginning, for the eyes of the Lord rejoice to see the work begin" Zechariah 4.10 Living Bible. What is wrong with being a small fish in a big pond or a big fish in a small pond? if you follow secular beliefs, there is every thing wrong. And so everyone is put under pressure to be a big fish in a big pond. Ponder! If you have ever seen the beauty of the underwater where all of these small creatures and plants with glorious breathtaking colour are thriving beautifully with the big "guys' - the sharks, whales and dolphins. why is scuba diving - an underwater activity such a sought after sport?

It is to behold the unity of the small and big working together to achieve the dazzling beauty of  the underworld. The scriptures teaches that we should be content with the measure of influence that God has given us in the various phases of our lives and not be in comparison or competition with others. Paul aptly put it  " I planted, Apollos watered but God gave the increase" I Corinthians3.6NKJV. So wherever you are today, you are just as important to the whole earth as the next person. Dazzle for God in that moment of your life. " But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk" I Corinthians 7.17NKJV

THE POWER OF KNOWLEDGE

Thank God for the super information highway aka internet. Knowledge has become a great experience and learning has never been so much easier. Ignorance cannot and shall no longer be an excuse. The world is yours with just a click away and the wisdom for life is now within a moment's reach. Don't waste the opportunities that are available online. Get knowledge! Get wisdom! Get living for intellectual wisdom is a part of your inheritance.

DIVINE PROTOCOL

" But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you" Mathew 6. 33 NKJV. Divine protocol is the order that God established for us to have a relationship with Him and also with others. Someone said that we have a horizontal link with God and a vertical one with others. This means that we must seek the spiritual first in all things before the natural as it gives us a better perspective and order in our lives. Is this our way of living or are we given to going after earthly treasures which are of a secondary consideration? Jesus advised that the place of our focus is where our treasure really lies. TODAY, do a heart check to ensure that you are spiritually fit and not living life from the natural. The redeemed of God live from His Presence and not outward. It is not the external activities that delights our Father. It is our heart being in the right place - the treasures of Heaven.

THE TRUE GROWTH EXPERIENCE

' Fastest growing' is a term used in secular circles for brands, services andcareers. Suddenly, Christianity is tilted towards that term. If we spent more of our time learning to be a people whose influence makes us the wisest rather than seeking to be branded by structures and numbers, we would fulfill Christ's command to doing greater works. Then we would have a 'unique selling point' global presence

BEWARE OF SELFISHNESS

Selfishness just added a new meaning - seeking to influence only one person - YOU when many GENERATIONS can be influenced by you. Think on this wise when next an opportunity to be self centered comes your way today. Say NO to me and mine always

GOD'S RIGHTS - THE TRUE WISDOM

Enforcement of your 'human rights' may seem so logical at times but in the often unsearchable wisdom of God, it is right to be foolish before men and be obedient to God so that the BIG PICTURE in that situation will become the deeper experience of life for you. Seek God's inalienable rights above all. It is wisdom and has tremendous blessings.

YOUR SPITITUAL DENTITY

If you truly recognise how rich and wealthy you are IN CHRIST, you will never, ever 'idolise' anyone on this earth regardless of their success in any sphere of life. Take time to DISCOVER the deepest secrets of your wealth ( Ephesians 1.17-19). Be inspired by people and events. But live by the wisdom that the unsearchable yet available wisdom that the Holy Spirit ministers in every of life's issues.

SPIRITUAL FATHERHOOD

The concept of spiritual fatherhood has been manipulated and misunderstood in Christianity. Our spiritual fathers should help us fulfill God's plan for our lives. It is not a relationship of servitude as is often the practice today. A Spiritual son should have respectful yet equal relationship with the father. The desire of a father is for the son to outgrow him. Let us put a stop to spiritual servitude that retards the individual expression of our personality and God's purpose for our lives.

WALK IN YOUR DESTINY

Rosemary Odiatu

‎"And there was famine in the land..And the Lord appeared unto him and said"Go not down to Egypt:Dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of"Gen.26.1-2kjv. Seek to first know your unique purpose IN CHRIST not a location. When you are in alignment with the Word, you will be in the right location. When Issac focused on his position in the Covenant , his experience of famine was overturned to overflowing fruitfulness. Location without position is an endless journey.

THE CHANGE FOR LIFE

Romans 12.2 "Don't copy the behaviour and customs of this world but be a new and different person with fresh newness in all you do and think" Living Bible. CHANGE comes by the RENEWAL of your mind. Don't seek after the fruits of Change but go after CHANGE. For until your present mindset is transformed from what is limiting to that which is liberating, your desire for Change will not happen. Change your thoughts and Change your life. Let the Word of God create a new thought pattern for your life.

THE SUFFICIENCY OF GRACE

2Corinthians.12.9 " And He said to me,My grace is sufficient for you. My strength is made perfect in weakness" NKJV. Since sin entered the world, our personal strength has ceased to give us the true experience of our relationship with God. GRACE has been given to us IN CHRIST to bring us into a restored state. Quit striving in your 'works' and enter into HIS REST - that state of a peaceful inner core that gives stability in a fallen world. In HIS GRACE, we will achieve all that God has planned for us.

GOODNESS - A FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

Greatness is a word that resonates with us. It is used for everything from personal achievements to products. But how much of Goodness as a virtue and character trait is emphasised. It is clear that you can be great without being good but you can't be GOOD and not become GREAT. Goodness is a fruit of the Spirit. It is a Kingdom treasure. Jesus went about doing GOOD and He will forever remain the greatest personality. Goodness is one of fruits of the Spirit. So choose to be good rather than great. It is a kingdom treasure. If the world had more of good than great, it would be a better place to live for everyone and not just for some. The world is lacking in good people and not great. Be determined to be a person of good and spread the influence around. You will be in such good company as Jesus, Paul, James, Daniel, Joseph and others.Focus on being GOOD than 'great'.

HUSBANDS, RISE UP TO YOUR TRUE CALLING

A husband must know that one of his spiritual roles as the Head is to ensure that his family fulfills their divine purpose. Pastor Taiwo Odukoya of , the Senior Pastor of the Fountain of Life Church in Lagos, Nigeria understood this wisdom so well and clearly gave his wife, Pastor Bimbo all the support she needed and she did it EXTRA ORDINARILY WELL changing the dynamics of single and marital relationships in Nigeria across various beliefs. Husbands, you are not in competition or comparison BUT COMPATIBILITY with your WIVES to achieve God's plans for your lives together.

THE EXPERIENCE OF JESUS

The Awesome experience of Jesus never ceases to amaze me for the more I receive of it,I thirst for more. I am thankful that it is inexhaustible. Ponder! We are often preoccupied with living a prosperous life. Good! but what is the secret ?I discovered THE SECRET is OBEDIENCE. As you obey God's Word, you gain more wisdom and as you grow in wisdom...........YOU PROSPER!!!! Oh! such simple yet profound truth. Don't pray to prosper for that is a prayer rooted in unbelief of seeking after earthly matters rather pray to walk in obedience to God always by listening to His Voice. Obedience is the seed for the harvest of prosperity.

GOD'S LOVE- JESUS CHRIST

God loved us and sent Jesus to bring the experience of that love in the form of eternal life on earth and in Heaven also. We cannot claim in whatever we believe to love God if we have not accepted Jesus into our life as Lord and Saviour.That is the first step of our affirmation of love . Make that decision today if you haven't. If you have, then take the next step to have the daily experience of JESUS (GOD'S LOVE) in your life by a growing fellowship with GOD

THE IMPORTANCE OF A PART

A whole does not make a part. It is the sum total of each part rightly fitted that gives the whole a beautiful expression. Think on this when next you want to lose your individuality to the latest trend.

TODAY!!

TODAY!! A very present experience but hardly appreciated because we are often preoccupied with 'tomorrow'. But each day is the tomorrow of yesterday of God is our ever present help of the moment not future. His Word says "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow" Mathew 6.34.The Message Bible. Dwell on TODAY!! Enjoy TODAY! Reap the blessings of TODAY! Plant the seeds of TODAY for tomorrow and when tomorrow finally comes.................You realise it is indeed TODAY!!

THE RECEPTIVE HEART

Often in the challenging times, there is a tendency to be distracted and restless within. But look to God where true help comes from. As we make that commitment within and refuse to quit in the face of all odds, the stillness that we need to receive God's Word will be present and then .......... His Word of salvation and preservation will find a heart responsive to it. The heart that Jesus spoke about in the Parable of the Sower that bears fruit from a thirty fold to a hundredfold.

THE GLORY OF THE RESURRECTION

" Looking to Jesus...who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising the shame" Heb.12.2. Consider the physical and spiritual pain that Jesus suffered to get us freed from the power of sin, then you will not be easily swayed to fall because of the 'light afflictions' to bring you into the eternal weight of glory in that circumstance. In a world of quick fixes especially in spiritual matters, there is no bypassing the pain of the CROSS to experience the joy of the Resurrection

WIVES, A TRUE HELPMATE

WIVES, you are a helpmate to your husbands. God filled you with so much strength in very unique places. Every man essentially came out of a woman and that is a big position of influence. Use that position of nurturing and trust wisely to be a blessing and not a burden.Consider yourself an asset first to your husband before anyone else. God has called us to be women of valour with a heart that is disposed to the good of our husbands not evil. May that be your portion each day.

THE EXPERIENCE OF GOD'S PRESENCE

It is an error to believe that you come to the Presence of God. That is an Old Testament concept and relationship. All who are IN CHRIST carry the Presence of God because the Holy Spirit dwells within us. Therefore God is always with us. However, what makes the difference is your experience of that Presence. When you allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in all things, you will have a deeper sense of His Presence than if you merely came to touch base once in a while. So get closer to Your Father.

CONFRONTING YOUR FEARS

Confrontation - a word that often instills fear in our heart. But enforcing our victory over the devil and his influences is a battle that we must face daily because we feel the effects in our lives. Face up to those fears with the knowledge that the power of life and death is already yours. In doing that you will have a better vision of the thoughts that you need to delete, amend or retain. But Confront you must! For in the place of spiritual confrontation is the first step of CHANGE

REDEEMING THE TIMES

The Bible tells us about redeeming the times " See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise: redeeming the time, because the days are evil" Ephesians 5.15-16 NKJV.  In other words, to use our time efficiently and productively. I find that more often than not many do not realise that they are many ways to walk in the experience of this truth. Having a stack of Christian magazines in your toilet is one of such uses. Many times I have been led by God to various messages in these magazines that spoke to issues in my life to give direction, correction or just encouragement. Never again see such times as idle moments. Even in such surroundings, God is present for you and your guests. Start today! place very good Christian magazines in your toilet and watch the changes that will happen to you and your guests through this medium of useful time.

THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS LIST

Forbes List, Fortune 500, Nobel Prize, CNN Awards and the list is endless from the financial to the intellectual by which the world gives commendation. Many strive for such awards but yet a few are successful. But there is the most important LIST, the only one that matters - The BOOK OF LIFE List. " And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire" Rev.20.15. Don't be discouraged if you don't make these other lists. Strive to get on Heaven's List,  the most prestigious and eternally rewarding prize and stay till the end.

RIGHT MARITAL ATTITUDE

Men and Women, in pursuing your desires for marriage, understand that each is created to complement the other.The perfection of two becoming one is the mystery of a Godly marriage which is lacking in the world. For in creating the woman as a helpmate, God said to the man, you will always need help. In making the wife a helpmate, He said to the woman, you are not the head of the home. All tailored to give the richness and fulfillment of marriage - God's way

LIFE LESSONS

Funny how we are so quick to take directions from a total stranger when we are lost, but are hesitant to take God's direction for our lives.
Funny how people want God to answer their prayers but refuse to listen to His counsel.
Funny how people think they are going to Heaven but don't think there is a Hell.
Culled from Covenant Nutshell

JESUS, OUR HELP

When we are tested by circumstances or in any temptation and sense that we are struggling with our faith, rather than sweep it under the carpet or block the experience with an excuse, let us be like the disciples that sought to know from Jesus why their faith failed to cast out the demon in the child - Mark 9.28-29. Why did we show little faith in that situation? As He did then, He will show us where we missed the connection to change. We are not in a faith competition but transformation.Never be afraid to ask JESUS for help

STABILITY IN UNCERTAINTY

Steve Jobs quit as CEO of Apple and the shares fell 5%, GTBank,a top Nigerian bank had its share fall to12 naira from 16 naira, Hurricane Irene ravaged various US cities, earthquakes in Japan and the US, deadly attack in Sweden and our own Boko Haram suicide bombing in Nigeria. These are indeed perilous times! But we can take comfort that even though the earth shall pass away but not a dot of HIS WORD will be affected. Put your trust in HIM so that your stability is in place in this changing times

THE PASSION OF CHRIST

The Passion of the Christ is a film which portrayed the last 12hrs of Jesus on earth. It shows a vivid characterisation of the events leading to his crucification and death.It gets the message of salvation across. Yet critics condemn it for "its violent depiction" Such hypocrisy from a world that has thrown all decency out. Stay focused Christians! Let this film make a lasting impression on you. When next the hard choices come, you will take a firm stand and not fall away to error and deception.

IN THE LINE OF FIRE

We are so worried about death threats from suicide bombers but all the while, we are daily in the line of fire of 'death experiences' that affect our spiritual life - subtle influences such as envy, malice greed,immorality,forgiveness,hypocrisy, lies ,immorality are more deadly than bodily harm. For these sin experiences touch the very existence of our lives - our soul whereas the other can only harm our body. So beware of the danger to your soul and salvation than that which is a one in a million chance.

THE EXPERIENCE OF LIGHT

THE EXPERIENCE OF LIGHT

Our Victory comes when we are taking a position in the Light, The Word of God and thinking in that Light, speaking from that Light and acting from the Light. We shall always be above the circumstances of life. For “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” Psalm 119.105NKJV. Darkness cannot comprehend anyone who is continually living in the experience of Light “And the Light shines in darkness and the darkness cannot comprehend it” John 1.5 NKJV

SPIRITUAL FATHERHOOD

The concept of spiritual fatherhood has been manipulated and misunderstood in Christianity. Our spiritual fathers just like our natural fathers are in a position of authority and should help us fulfill God's plan for our lives.It is not a relationship of servitude as is often the practice today. A spiritual son should have a respectful yet equal relationship with the father. But to perpetually remain in a subservient position is an error. Only God, Our Father should be above all and all things. The desire of any father is for a son to outgrow him and do better and the joy of a son is to fulfill that desire. Let us put a stop to spiritual servitude that retards the individual expression of our personality and God's purpose for our lives.