Christmas Once Again

"Jingle bells, Jingle bells, Jingle all the way",............"Holy Night when stars are bright and shining....", "Santa claus is in town....coming around with gifts and love". Songs, words, elegy, chants of the Christmas season pervades the air. And why not? This is the period of time when the whole world irrespective of race, culture, religion or creed agree as one to celebrate what the Roman calendar (which we have adopted) calls the yuletide.

Gifts are exchanged, smiles are shared and the miserly shock recipients by giving! It's the Joy of the season many say, and we do take time to express sincere love to the needy. One statement says that in this time, we need to embrace the season's spirit by "giving up what we want for others who need it".

Truly this idea is the reason for the season. Once upon a time, God gave up what he might want, for us who needed it. He gave himself as a precious gift to the world, thus sparking a spirit of free giving in sincerity and love. However, behind the spirit of the giving is the reason for the giving......God gave up himself so we can appreciate his gift, accept his gift and make the best of it.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16)

Imagine if during this yuletide, you gave up your most expensive valuable to a needy person, only to discover that that person didn't show gratitude, didn't appreciate it and didn't value it. What more, this person scorned you and the gift and made its usefulness of no effect in his life. How would you feel? Lets say you gave up your expensive 2006 porsche convertible and found out the recipient is using the gift as a commodity vehicle, maybe to transport perishable items.

Truly we ought to think about God's gift to humanity in this season and respond more appropriately. An acceptance of this gift ushers us into eternal life! What better promise of hope, life and light now and beyond now. This is the true masterpiece! The better gift! Christmas is here again, we ought to rejoice! But while we eat the steaks, pudding, chocolates, and drink the wine........let's pause for a moment and think, have we accepted the one who sparked off the giving two centuries ago?

His name is Jesus.....and as Santa comes knocking handing out gifts to all, JESUS is knocking as well! HE is however not handing out any perishable gifts, he is handing out HIMSELF........with a promise of a fulfilling life now and forever more. When he knocks (and surely he will yet again), please open the door!

Thank You

The year draws to an end and naturally we'd all take a moment to reflect on the months past. I guess it isn't out of place to spend sometime in this act John Maxwell calls "The Power of Reflective thinking" in his best selling book, "Thinking for a change". I have a copy and I say it's one of the best pieces I read this year.

However this is not a book review. I want to use this page to appreciate the people who have meant a lot to my life thus far. To the readers of this page, my family, my friends, my fiancee, my critics, and loved ones.............I say a Big thank you for making 2005 a year well spent! Your names and memories are etched in my heart always. To my pastor and fellow contributor, many thanks...

To the Father of Spirits for whom my life is lived, am grateful for the blessings abundant. Your Love, your life, your light and your Grace has kept me. Thank you Lord Jesus for the gift of Salvation and for living yesterday, today and forever..........that I might live yesterday, today and forever with you in Glory!

Halleluyah to the King of Kings, Glory to the Lord of my life!

I got thinking....

The past week has been filled with Events glad, mad and sad! One of these struck my emotions and made me a little angry as well. I know the international community may have heard about the recent spate of air disasters in Nigeria and may be aware of the lacklustre attitude of government and authorities to public safety in that rich African country. What is more alarming is the response by the leaders, to issues of national (and international) concern as this.

But I won't go on about "what i's should be dotted and t's crossed". For me, last week was tragic in that the Christian world lost one of her gems; the indefatigable Bimbo Odukoya as she made her way to one of several ministry responsibilities. Her aircraft never landed and she lost her life amongst several other passengers and threw the nation and the church into mourning.

Pastor Bims as she was fondly called was associate pastor of the Fountain of Life Church, Lagos, SW Nigeria who in her time impacted many people with God's word. A role model, mentor and woman of valor, she will indeed be missed. A wonderful woman, who managed the affairs of the Lord with dignity and reverence. However I rejoice and celebrate her life, and I got thinking.....

Pastor Bims made her life count! As a christian, she worked and carried the father's injuction to herald his name and made it her clarion call till her last breathe. I got thinking.......how much of this have I done in my life? I got thinking.....how much of her life have we who mourn her emulated? She will be buried this week, and many mourners will be there I presume. An ode will be read and all will celebrate a life well spent in Christ.

But will we think, how much of our lives have we made to count so far? How much will count when we go home? Pastor Bims is asleep, and we who are awake should get thinking........and oh! need I say ACTING?

If God were to count his blessings.....

I saw this title piece from another blog I thought you might like to read. It's a beautiful, short and simple comment that leaves me reflecting over the past twelve months.

Please read the piece and others in the series of blogs posted by the administrator of this one. Enjoy!

Not Ashamed of the Gospel

Everyday I see them
preaching, admonishing, warning...
"Jesus is coming soon, Jesus is the way, Jesus Saves"
they cry, the sing, they preach......

With pamplets, leaftets or tracts
passers-by are asked to choose the Lord and escape his wrath
Men and women obeying the Lord's injuction
"Go and preach the Gospel, herald my name in all the nations".....

Not ashamed of the Lord, not bothered by the rejections
they surge on preaching, calling, warning
not tending towards the world's worship of the flesh
never conforming to the cry for godlessness......

Next time you walk the streets or are in public
nod, smile, give a thumbs-up or a gentle pat
at the fellow who advocates the Father's Glory
Proud of our family, the Lord's kindred......

Stand up for Jesus, hoist your head in ecstasy
not only in the confines of the church
but on the streets, schools, public places, airplanes
everywhere, everyplace.......

Not ashamed of Jesus, nor of his Gospel (Rom 1:16)

Jesus Heals..

One of the images that lingers on my mind is the cover page picture of one of Kenneth Hagin's (of blessed memory) "Word of Faith" some six years ago. It was simple yet captivating and soul searching. It was a picture of a weak and sickly woman who clutched onto her Bible (seemingly to represent God's word). Right behind her were three shadows each pointing in different directions, each away from the Bible. Reading that article I discovered the true meaning of the cover picture.

I remember adapting this concept to use as a dance drama when I was in the University. The plot was simple with similar characters. Only this time, we put the shadows into action depicting each one as pointing the woman to the Grave, Hospital or Shrine (or some other demi-god). I believe this image brings home a war in our minds everytime we fall ill or are afflicted with some form of disease or ailment.

Do we take solace in God's promise of healing and health? When an affliction wages with your body, what's your first point of call for help? God is still in the business of healing us, he's been doing it from creation, he is still doing it!

"Surely he has borne our sicknesses and carried our pains........And by his stripes we are healed" (Is 53:4,5).

Next time you feel a pain or have a sickness, remember God's word that he healed you at Calvary(1 Peter 2:24). Like the woman in the cover story, hold onto God's word. Ignore the call for anywhere else!

What Do you Read?

In these days of living on the fast lane no thanks to the boom in Technology and how it has affected our daily living, it's very easy to get caught up and ignore the key things that equip us for daily Victory. Many Christians get through days, weeks and (God Forbid!) months without actually READING their most precious possession, The Bible..

So this answers your question: On the Train, I often Read my Bible. As I pulled it out again from my bag this morning and opened its wonderful pages, I got the usual stirs. I can imagine some minds wondering how a 21st century man like me would delight in reading the Bible when there are loads of "other" books (magazines, journals, newspapers, novels etc etc) to read. I don't mind the stirs, infact I am hoping that my pre-occupation with Reading my Bible would influence some to do likewise, or permit a curious mind to ask me about what fascinates me......and then my chance to bless his life may come!

You see, I can't afford to get caught up in the 21st century that my closest contact with God's word comes only when I am in church or as most have resorted to, listening to the reading of the Bible on Dvds, Cds or magnetic tapes. Nothing replaces spending time and doing some READING of the Bible for yourself...

"Till I come, pay ATTENTION to READING of scriptures, to exhortation, to doctrine" (1 Tim 4:13, emphasis mine).

"Whereby when you READ, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of God" (Eph 3:4, emphasis mine)

For me, no other means of knowing God's instruction can replace READING it! Listening to a Cd/Dvd rendition while I shower, dress up or drive to work, sermons taught in church, logging onto the Internet to read daily devotionals or watch/listen to my favourite preachers do some enriching, yes.......But the 30mins train ride to work, and 30mins back home in the evening (whew! 1 whole hour) of enjoying the World's greatest Book cannot be traded for any other activity. And I do more reading elsewhere..

It should be the same for you. Do you take time out to READ your Bible? You can start today. Therein lies the wealth you seek, herein hides enrichment for life's successes!

Another Day....

I woke up this morning and sighed! It's another day of work and I hadn't had much sleep as I have been keeping late nights working on projects due next week. Getting on the train to North London where I work, the usual sight greets me. Commuters with crossed legs and fixed gazes at any material to read. Having moved into London, this is one of the few amazing things I have noticed about Londoners.

I like to use the train, as the 30mins ride from home to work gives me time to get myself psychologically ready for the day ahead. I may have picked up a habit as well.....that is the habit of READING on the TRAIN. I love to read, but it seems I look forward to reading on the train these days more than anywhere else. This might be as a result of the fact that almost everyone else on the train is either reading or pretending to read. A few smiles, nods and occasional gestures here and there. That's all you'll get from Londoners who are not very happy to chat with a stranger until you make the first move and if you're lucky, find a "willing to chat" victim.

Londoners are really courteous people and can be as friendly as your average citizen. But unlike Americans, they won't make the first move. And while you are having a conversation, please keep it polite and courteous. Laugh occassionally even when nothing is funny and appear interested in the dialogue even when you'd rather shut up and go on READING......

Thus these days when I am going to travel by train, I usually find a book to read or a mate to accompany me. Else pray hard to find a gentleman or lady willing to chat, and hope that he/she is not boring. Hence comes the obvious question; what do I read? I'll tell you....

Sure we're still on Track?

Isn't it amazing how much emphasy on making money, living large and acquiring so much wealth has pervaded the church these days? Every song or sermon is centered on this issue with different sides wielding their banters.

While I do not belong to the school of thought that says Christians should live an impoverished life, I also do not belong to the group that focuses on acquiring wealth (with all its pleasures, cars, mansions, $ and £ in the wallet etc etc). I believe that Prosperity is a part of our God-given salvation, yes.......But I also believe in one thing, and this is that my pre-occupation should not be centred on issues of insignificance as wealth, cars, clothes, travels and all that we seem to follow after these end days.

Afterall God is sufficient to our every need and doth provide as richly as he is (Phil 4:19, paraphrase mine). Besides he has sent us, in focus on Kingdom issues and to expand his work on earth. When he says we should "occupy till he comes", sorry folks Jesus isn't saying gather as much wealth and the fullness of materiality (as some have interpreted the parable of the talents). He is saying " take charge of the earth (have authority) and expand the Kingdom frontiers" till he comes!

" If ye then be risen with Christ, pursue those things which are above...........set your affections on things above......." (Col 3:1,2)

Need I say more?

To Love your neighbour?

I read a piece about Love written by a dear brother and I couldn't help but think again as am sure most would have, if it's really easy to LOVE your neighbour. Jesus and his apostles must have mentioned this in the Bible several times that we sure know it must be an important virtue.......but, haven't you like me being hurt many times by many people that we find it rather difficult to Love them?

Sure the Lord must understand that expressing Love to these ones is almost impossible. The natural instinct wants to pull away, afterall "once bitten, twice shy". I used to think this way until I saw the mistake I was making with regards to walking in this divine virtue;

"Beloved let us love one another..........for God is Love" (1 John 4:7,8)

".......because the Love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Ghost which was given to us" (Romans 5:5)

"But the Fruit of the Spirit is Love...." (Gal 5:22)

God expects us to Love our neighbour because the Virtue of Love has been given to us! He doesn't expect it to be natural, neither is such a walk to be in response to a good deed or bad one done to us. He simply expects us to allow our reborn spirit filled with this ability to control our actions and walk in his enablement. If we tried it naturally, we'd fail.

However spend a day allowing your Spirit to rule your thoughts and actions, following the Love guide within you (you have it, the Holy Spirit lavished it in us!) and you'll be amazed how really easy it is to actually Love your neigbour. Focus not on your hurts. Easy? Yes, if you focus rather on God's Love within you.

The First words.........

I remember one Thursday evening in 1997. It was like any other evening and the only thing a young undergraduate student would want to do is either go to the library or hang out with some friends. Alas that evening was different for me. I decided to honour an invitation to a church gathering where I heard the words that changed my life forever!

"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation" (Gal 6:15).

From the words of the preacher and as I have come to learn over the years, Paul is teaching us that the cross of Jesus and our acceptance to God is not by virtue of our lineage, heritage or background. The Jews in those days were proud and bragged about their relationship with God that was founded on the covenant relationship God established with them via Moses. The symbol of this agreement was that Jews were to be circumcised "to show" that indeed they were the chosen ones that God had delivered at the hands of Egypt and had established a relationship with them based on the Law of Moses.

Paul however teaches that now that Jesus Christ has come and died for us with the effects of his work (coming, dying, ressurecting and living today for us), what counts is "THE NEW CREATURE". If you are born again, you are a New Creature (2 corin 5:17) and this is the only symbol of acceptance before God. This status is the yardstick for measuring our relationship with God.

Isn't it reassuring that it doesn't matter what your background is, neither does it count what your past is? As long as you are in Christ and have identified with his cross, then you are in relationship with him. The Father of Glory and maker of the worlds does not count your heritage or past against you, he only sees you in light of your "New Creature" status. And if you are one, then you are accepted.

Any wonder Paul would say in the preceeding verse that he would rather boast in the cross? These words changed my life as I knew that all I needed was to accept the work of Calvary and not look back at my past or any other thing I counted against myself. Afterall God didn't count them against me!

I rededicated my life to Jesus the next service after this, and I have lived in this liberty ever since.

Welcome to my Blog

I'ld love to welcome you to this page, created to inspire you to reign in life by one man... Jesus!

It is such a priviledge to be 'begotten' of the holy one and this new status we have received freely is what I intend to celebrate with you.

Your comments and posts are welcome, and so is your decision to accept his life and walk with him.

Come along.........as we Reign in Life!