Confessions of a Well-Digger

Offenses (2)

2011-07-24T10:41:00.003+01:00

"Offenses must come!" Here's another statement of fact that Jesus made when He taught on the subject of offenses. With this statement, He highlighted the reality that humans know so well: the world in which we live is saturated with offenses. Whether you want it or not, whether you cause it or not, that evil, corrosive thing called offenses will come your way. The question is, what are you going to do about it?

The very atmosphere of Eden was offense-free, until the spirit of deception, the old serpent, found a way to corrupt the heart of Eve and her husband. Outside Eden, however, offense is the order of day. Whichever way you turn, it is always making its way towards you. Like invisible radio waves, offense is a part of the fallen world - so also is the unregenerate mind of man that so easily picks them up. If only believers will operate in this life as Christ did! He chose not to tune in to the "offense channel", neither did He receive or broadcast worldly offenses. He was tuned to the Father; He spoke words from the Father and responded to earthly words in the way the Father's Spirit led Him - no matter the consequences. He did this always and never for once faltered.

The result of Christ's spiritual disposition was that provocations never provoked Him; accusations never bothered Him; misrepresentations never unruffled Him; betrayals never surprised Him. It did not matter how many times the prince of this world came to Him, nothing of this world could be found in Him.

How unlike the average believer today! We easily offend and are easily offended. Is this not an evidence that we are more attuned to the flesh than to the Spirit? Those who are led by the Spirit always, whose heart are consistently manifesting His fruit, will know the blessedness of an offense-free life. Surely, offenses must come, but we need not be the originators, receptors, transmitters or facilitators of them.

"My little children, keep your hearts from offenses" - GOD!

Offences! (1)

2011-07-15T12:14:00.002+01:00

I recently found in the book Matthew, a statement Christ made about offenses. It just stood out to me and left an indelible mark upon my heart. After seeing this statement, I understood more than ever before why the Lord used very strong words whenever He discussed the matter. The statement I found is strong and true.

In Matthew 18:7, the first part, Jesus said, "Woe to the world because of offenses!" What a precise statement of fact. If there is anything that has caused much moral and spiritual decay in the world today, it is offenses. In fact, the first sin man created was facilitated by an offense at God. The devil succeeded in making Eve think that God was keeping something good from them, and this thought process led to rebellion and sin. What about the murder of Abel by Cain, was it not because of the feeling of offense aimed at God and Abel?

I have found out that some of the most frustrated believers today, not to talk of those who are not in the faith, do not know the reality of peace with God and the peace of God. They are offended at what they consider to be God's slowness or His seemingly uncaring attitude to their predicaments. This offense at God so easily manifests as offense at man - the root of a million atrocities in this life.

Woe to the world because of offenses! How true. Every war, feud, genocide and disharmony since the beginning of time has offenses written all over them. Just a little feeling of offense, real or perceived, is enough to cause unspeakable havoc between people and nations. Offenses have literally tipped us all in the direction of irreversible destruction. If not for the cross of Christ, the rock of offense that corrects this deadly imbalance, the world would have imploded long time ago. The privilege we have in Christ is the ability to lay hold of divine wisdom that can help us maintain an offense-free heart in an offense-ridden world. We need not be victims of the world's woes. We can find refuge in Christ and be partakers of the divine nature of God - our only guarantee of a life of victory over the force of offenses.

Thank you Jesus for this immeasurable victory!

(To be continued...)

JESUS IS MY LORD! The full implication of this

2011-07-06T10:06:00.003+01:00

After Thomas placed his finger in the nail piercings in Jesus' hands, he exclaimed "My Lord and my God" (John 20:27,28). From that moment on, all his doubts about the resurrection of Christ and the glory of His Person faded away. In their place rose faith and a lifelong commitment to the purpose for which Christ had called him. When I declare, "Jesus is my Lord", I would like to believe it is borne out of no less a realisation and resolve.

First, Jesus has ownership over me. I do not own my life and thus cannot determine my course. The devil once owned me but he can no longer stake a claim on me. The blood flowing from the hands of Jesus is proof of His purchase of my life.

Second, Jesus has the rule over me. He directs my going out and coming in. He is Lord over my pursuits. His word is the light guiding all that I do. He establishes my purpose and sends me forth to be fruitful for Him.

Third, Jesus holds all rights to me. I am His through and through. I cannot hold anything back. His rights over my time, treasure and talents are exclusive. There's nothing that I have apart from what He has given me.

Fourth, Jesus is worthy of glory from me. My pursuit of purpose is for His glory. Everything I do is to make His name great in the earth. Every well I dig in this life is for His praise. He is Lord over all I my achievements.

Fifth, Jesus entrusts His authority to me. I am His ambassador in this life. All I do is in His stead. For this purpose, I have access to all that He has. All that my Lord has is mine and I am His. I don't take this lightly but live with a sense of responsibility - as one who would one day give an account.

There is no fear, doubt or pretense as I declare Jesus is MY Lord!

He makes all things beautiful

2011-06-30T23:26:00.002+01:00

God is never too late or too early. He is never in a hurry either. He knows that to everything there is a time and a season, and when the time is right time for the manifestation of a thing, it is always beautiful.

We are the ones who are usually in a hurry. We want everything now. Blessings, now. Promotion, now. Manifestation of prophecies, now. A fruit eaten before its ripe time only causes tummy upsets. It is better to wait for the right season and cease upsetting ourselves and everyone around us.

This makes me recall the dream of a dear friend (who has since passed on to glory). In his dream, he saw himself in a news studio. Cameras were focusing; lights were beaming; it was time for the news to be read. Backstage, my friend was restless - he wanted to be the one broadcasting the news. He kept on saying, "I want to read the news, I want to read the news", and eventually he was allowed to take centre stage and read the news.

As he took his seat in front of the lights and cameras, he suddenly realised he did not have the day's news. "I don't have any news! I don't have any news!" he kept on saying to himself, and then he woke up...

It is better to wait patiently for our ordained season, than to step out prematurely and fail woefully. God makes all things beautiful in their season.

Your season is coming and has now come! No more hurrying; no more worrying! In Jesus' name!

Get rid of those maggots!

2011-06-25T20:13:00.002+01:00

There is a reason why Jesus said we should forgive those who offend us - every time they offend us. Even if we are offended as many as seventy seven times in a day, Jesus said we should still forgive (Matthew 18:21,22; Luke 17:1-4). This instruction is not to make us look weak and foolish; instead, as we shall see, it is for our inner sanctity and strength.

Ultimately, every offence from men is aimed at the heart. The same can be said of every unfavourable circumstance that affects us on the inside. No matter what happens or how it happens, we feel the pain of hurts and disappointment in our hearts. When we retain and process them for any length of time, they turn into bitterness, hatred, rage, depression and other unholy vices. This is why Jesus said we should let go of offences as soon as they occur. And when they seem to linger for a while, the counsel is, "do not let the sun go down on your wrath" (Ephesians 4:26).

Offences and discouragements retained in the heart longer than a day contaminate us on the inside. When we brood upon them, they drain us of strength and become much harder to deal with; they rob us of grace and cause is to defile many (Hebrews 12:15).

When Israel kept the heavenly manna for longer than a day, it turned into maggots and stank (Exodus 16:20). Can you just imagine what happens when we keep offences in the heart beyond the setting of the sun? The truth is, many a believer's heart is full of maggots that keep on multiplying sunset after sunset. Whenever they speak out of their bitter heart, the stench is practically unbearable. It is not a sign of weakness when you forgive others; it is a wise action of someone who understands the value of a clean heart.

"Keep and guard your heart", therefore, "with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life." (Proverbs 4:23 AMP). In other words, "Get rid of all the maggots in your heart and guard against them finding a breeding place in you. Only out of a maggot-free heart flows the spring of life that builds up others."

Cleanse our hearts O Lord!

Have you finished digging your first well?

2011-06-23T16:32:00.004+01:00

One of your goals in life should be to become a digger of wells, and not just a drinker of water. Many spend all their lives surviving as a mere water-drinker and never experience the paradigm shift of a well-digger. No one remembers the water-drinker for the volume of water that he consumed. However, generations of men will remember the well-digger for the volume of water that he produced.

I want to iterate the need to possess a vision of digging a few wells in your lifetime - structures and establishments that will continue to serve communities of men long after you have gone. The world cannot do without such visionaries, for without well-diggers, the people perish. The survival of many water-drinkers is linked to the significance of one well-drinker. Be the significant one and not the surviving many.

There is one well that is essential before you embark on the digging of more. You cannot overlook this well and busy yourself with others. Your first well will produce the strength and inspiration you need for every other well. This first well is the well of your heart. It must flow with life, wisdom, grace and understanding. It must be free from hurts, offences, filth and burdens. It must be the source of all else you do - the channel through which God's power ceaselessly flows.

So I ask: Have you finished digging your first well? Are you busy with many secondary things and are neglecting the condition of your heart? Until you break through on the inside you cannot experience a breakthrough on the outside. Breakdowns in your circumstances are sometimes traceable to breakdowns on the inside. With all your digging, make sure you finish digging your first well!

Your first well is you; dig it well! Let the real you be seen! Let the life in you be released!

Watch and pray (4)

2011-06-21T21:22:00.002+01:00

This dual activity, watching and praying, was one of the secrets of Christ's victorious life on earth. Everything He did in life and ministry was born out of watchfulness and prayerfulness. If we will follow in His steps, we cannot but do the same.

Jesus did not react to circumstances around Him; He responded by the leading of the Spirit.

Jesus did not entrust Himself to the appearances of man; He was always led by the Spirit.

Jesus did not embrace every opportunity that came His way; He was led by the Spirit.

Jesus was led by the Spirit always because He was watching and praying always.

The message here is simple: when all our actions, associations and decisions are the product of watching and praying, we are being led by the Spirit of God, and those who are led by the Spirit are the sons of God (Romans 8:14).

If we will follow in Christ's steps, we cannot but do what He did - watch and pray!

Watch and pray! (3)

2011-06-15T05:34:00.002+01:00

Which is more important, watching or praying? The answer is straightforward: neither. Both watching and praying are of equal importance, hence the conjunction "and". We are not to do one without the other.

Some do more watching than praying, while others do more praying than watching. Both sets of people, after a while, will end up lopsided in spirit and life. Believers who truly watch and pray experience a balance in their lives that ultimately bears the fruit of wisdom. For those who only watch presume the sole responsibility for action is theirs, those who only pray shelve the responsibility for action solely on God, but those who watch and pray become co-workers with God for the fulfillment of purpose and destiny.

O how sweet it is to walk with Jesus! To enjoy fellowship with Him and become a co-worker with Him! A commitment to watching and praying will ensure that we enter into the blessedness in Christ.

Obedience is key!

2011-06-11T06:16:00.002+01:00

The things God shows us about our life at different times, the pronouncements He makes about our future, they generate much excitement in our spirit. And better to be excited than downcast! However, excitement alone will not bring us to the place where we realise the prophecies spoken over us. After excitement in the spirit, we need to bring our soul and flesh to the place of obedience. Complete obedience is key to reaching that place called destiny.

When God gives us an instruction, no matter how little or illogical, we need to promptly obey and resist every temptation to find an excuse not to do what He is saying. Obedience moves us forward. Disobedience takes us backward. Inactivity, which is akin to disobedience, keeps us stagnant. The direction our lives is going - forward, backward or nowhere - is dependent on our attitude to God's instructions.

Go! Speak! Write! Stop! Forgive! Give!... Instructions. These are your connectors to purpose and destiny. Don't take them lightly.

"Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life." (Proverbs 4:13)

A New Season!

2011-06-07T13:09:00.002+01:00

A new season has dawned upon many in the Body of Christ, and with it is fresh grace for the race. Those who have remained faithful to God and His Word in the times of littleness will find their steps increasingly ordered to the place of purpose and fruitfulness. Doors will open for these ones and through watchfulness, they will enter into the right door - God's door; one that cannot be shut by man or circumstances - and encounter much favour on the other side.

It is time, then, to arise! Time to shine! Light has come from the Lord and glory is breaking forth from the heavens. Do not miss this season through unbelief; do not hinder yourself through disobedience. Whatever the Lord says, do. Wherever the Lord leads, go. We walk by faith and triumph in joy!...

For nearly two years, the Lord had spoken to me about the next phase of my life and ministerial journey. I am now stepping into what He told me, yes, the beginnings of it. So, I believe every word of this prophecy and know that the One who has spoken is faithful.

I will soon begin to share more about this "next phase" and the work the Lord is calling me and mine to. Meanwhile, be inspired by the word of the Lord and do not shrink back from sharing your story too. Who knows, you may just be the inspiration that someone needs to enter into the fullness of their season!

Watch and pray! (2)

2011-06-06T19:28:00.004+01:00

Many believers pray and pray and pray... but they are not obeying the commandment to watch. If we are not watchful, how will we see danger that needs to be avoided on our path? Again, if we are not watchful, how will we know when the Lord opens the doors of opportunity before us? What about when multiple doors open and we have to determine which one is the Lord and which one is the enemy? Watching is a must; we cannot survive in the spirit without being watchful.

Watching engages all our spiritual faculties; it requires an ability to judge rightly and respond accordingly. We dare not watch casually, otherwise we will become a casualty. Jesus never took watching lightly, which is why nothing ever took Him by surprise.

I am expectant in the spirit; not apprehensive, but watchful. I will not miss all that God has for me because I am watching, and He is watching over me. (I pray the same for you too!).

Watch and pray!

2011-05-31T20:01:00.002+01:00

Many believers engage in the discipline of prayer, but I am beginning to find out that prayer alone is not enough in the realm of the spirit. Jesus taught and instructed us to pray quite alright, but He also enjoined us to watch and pray. If we really understand what He meant by those words, we would appreciate that this is a "do both" admonition and not just a use of interchangeable words. Watching is a spiritual activity and so is prayer. We need to actively do both to enjoy victory in this life.

When we pray to God but do no take happenings in the spirit realm into consideration, we set ourselves up for catastrophe. The dreams we have in the night, the words God speaks in the ears of our heart, the impressions that grab our attention, the circumstances that require a spiritual interpretation, all these are as important as the prayers we say. Again, our prayers will not be effective if our heart, the place from where the wellspring of life flows, is unguarded against all sorts of offences and bitterness. These and more are part of the watching dimension of our prayer lives.

At the final analysis, true prayer is not done with the mouth only, but also with the eyes, ears, spiritual insight and understanding. God will help us all!

(There's surely more that I will be writing about this Watch and Pray command!)

God really knows your name!

2011-05-28T12:19:00.003+01:00

A lot of the times when God had called each of us by name, it was not just to catch our attention. Of course, He does need our attention at different times, and sometimes has to deliver us from our many distractions by calling out to us. But usually, He is doing more than this. When He calls us by name, He is making a direct reference to the purpose for which He has called us. He is not just identifying our name tag, but acknowledging the fullness of our calling and destiny.

When God created you, He had a purpose in mind, and after He finished the work of bringing you forth, He gave you a name - a name that is linked to the purpose of your creation. This is the name by which He knows and calls you. This is much deeper than the earthly names we bear (even though it may be necessary for some to change their earthly names to one that the mouth of the Lord will call). This is an eternal dimension of our earthly existence.

So, do you know the name by which God calls you in the eternal realms? You should. You should locate yourself in His heart and discover yourself in His book. God has a book in the heavens in which He has recorded all names and all purposes. The earthly copy of His book, the Bible, is a good place to start. Let the Holy Spirit, the Author of His books, guide you as you search yourself out. Who knows, you may find that the book was referring to you when it called some, "oaks of righteousness" (Is 61:3), "restorer of desolate places" (Is 61:4) or "priest of the Lord" (Is 61:6).

Seriously, ask the Lord and He will tell you great and mighty things that you do not presently know. And this revelation will be the beginning of a new journey of becoming all that He has created and named you to be.

The three invitations of Christ

2011-05-27T12:08:00.004+01:00

The first invitation that Christ gives to all in the world is a "come". Everyone is invited to come unto Him with all their burdens, fears and weights. In exchange, the Lord has promised to give rest, much-needed rest to much-weary souls. This is the rest we receive at salvation. Oh what a joyous day this is both on earth (in the heart of the saved) and in heaven (in the company of angels)! If you have known this joy - this endless joy of salvation - you have already come. Praise God!

The second invitation narrows down a bit, because it is not to everyone but to those who have already come to Him. To these ones Christ will say, "sit". After coming to receive rest, we are expected to sit at His feet and learn of Him - His heart, His ways, His passion and His agenda. We learn His meekness and begin to conform to His image. Oh what a process this is, one that strips us of ourselves and cloaks us with His self - His life. Many who come to Christ hurriedly leave. They do not have the patience to sit, to learn and to mature through obedience. They leave with their blessing of rest without yet knowing the place of rest. Not knowing how to sustain the blessing, it is only a matter of time before they have to come again with burdens, needing rest and thus repeating the process all over.

The third invitation narrows down even more. It is to those who have not only come but have also sat for a season. Amongst these, the Lord extends an invitation for active involvement in His eternal programme. To these ones the Lord will say, "go!" This go launches them into the reason for which they were created. Fully equipped with the knowledge of the Holy One and His Spirit, they set out in obedience to fulfill their Master's bidding. They are no longer settlers in this world, but pioneers with a heavenly, ambassadorial agenda. Oh the joy of partnership with the Lord in His glorious work on earth!

Which of the invitations have you hearkened? Come? Sit? Go?

I beseech you, don't just come to God for blessings; sit at His feet and learn of Him. Don't be a forgetful learner that always needs to repeat the lessons of life; drop every personal ambition and pursue the Kingdom and the righteousness thereof. Understand that there is a "go" that you have to obey in this life; the purpose for which you will be remembered amongst men and judged amongst saints.

The Lord is still calling: Come! Sit! Go!

Nowhere to hide!

2011-05-26T14:24:00.002+01:00

As David once wrote, there is nowhere on earth or under the earth that a person can go to hide from God. Not that I am looking for somewhere to hide or any such thing; I am just acknowledging His Omnipotence that continues to benefit those who belong to Him.

I belong to God, but this 'belonging' cannot be by mouth. It must be substantiated by constant obedience. Whenever we are in disobedience - whatever the issue - it does feel like we are hiding, because God's Spirit will continuously tug on us and speak to our spirits. From this tugging, there is nowhere to hide. Those who are truly His will recognise this grace and yield to the Lord, whatever He is saying and demanding.

Okay. It's confession time! No, I have not done anything worthy of death. My confession is that I have not posted any blog for a long, long time (even though the Lord had wanted me to; He was the One who got this thing going in the first place!). From this reality, there is nowhere for me to hide. I now yield myself (again!) to the Lord and to this ministry.

Thank you Lord, for grace for every new beginning!

(Friend, is there anything you are hiding from? Remember, there's nowhere to hide from God!)

I have found water!

2011-01-19T11:41:00.002Z

That day Isaac’s servants came and told him about the well they had dug. They said, "We've found water!" He called it Shibah, and to this day the name of the town has been Beersheba. (Genesis 26:32)

God's plan is for each of us to be a channel that refreshes lives and communities around us. As channels, we are meant to connect and remain connected to God, the immeasurable and unending Source of life. The deeper our connection into God, the greater the flow of life from within. We will also remain fresh as long as we abide in the place of our connection.

It is only a matter of time for the present place of connection to become a place of ease, comfort and disobedience - if we neglect the call to continue in our pursuit of God. When laxity enters our fellowship with God, all sorts of compromise will seek to take advantage. The life from within is polluted, first unnoticed and later evidently to all. It's either that or an overwhelming dryness that only God can reverse. May we never get to that level of spiritual contamination or spiritual emptiness.

We need to keep on digging, keep on transitioning, keep on seeking God - because God is always moving and calling. If we continue to behold the face of Christ through His Spirit, we will be changed from glory to glory. If we take our eyes off the Lord and stop obeying His promptings, we will remain pegged in the glory of yesterday. There will be no joyous exclamation, "I have found water!"

Jesus said, the water that He gives will become a spring of eternal life within us. This water connects deeply and blesses widely. However, when we stop coming to Him to drink (when we think we have drunk enough), the flow of life ceases - slowly but surely.

Keep on digging deep into God! Keep on drinking from His Spirit! Do not mind the enemy who will try to contend with the life you receive from God. Though he tries, he will fail woefully. He has failed already. God will bring you into your Rehoboth, the place of much room for greater fruitfulness. I pray a cry will rise up within you once again: I have found water!

Transitions!

2011-01-14T21:04:00.003Z

Our walk with God and our pursuit of purpose is a journey. A long one. It's not a quick dash or a momentary attainment. The Kingdom we are called to seek is an ever-increasing Government of peace. So is our journey in the Kingdom. Hence the different transitions at different times.

After a few posts last year about becoming a bestseller, I began to sense another level of the transition I was already experiencing. And by God's grace, I have learnt and am still learning the importance of following the Spirit's leading, whether to the left or to the right. There was a shift indeed, and I just could not continue with the posts (apologies to everyone who was following the series).

During this transition, I had written and published The Shift of A Lifetime, a sociological study of and timely message for Nigerians aged between 40 and 50. Many consider it a classic, for which I humbly give God glory. There is still a lot of work to do for the book's potential to break forth. And the transition continues...

I am experiencing change in preparation to obey God's call to missions. I am also getting clarity regarding my calling and purpose as a writer. For me, these two go hand-in-hand. They are major reasons for the present transition.

We are expected, as believers, to walk in the Spirit and be led by the Spirit. In other words, we must always welcome transitions when they are initiated by God. The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.

On Becoming a Bestseller (6)

2010-05-02T18:13:00.007+01:00

I want to answer a question recently asked by a member of The Writers' Well: What does it take to write a "good" book let alone a bestseller? A very relevant question indeed. After all, for a book to be a bestseller, it has to be a good seller, and for a book to be a good seller, it has to be a good book.

A lot goes into writing a good book. The first, in my opinion, is vision. Your vision and purpose for the book you want to write should be clear. If it is non-fiction, it will help if you first write an outline, even if it just the chapter titles (which is how I start). If it is fiction, your plot should be clear. How does your story begin? How does it end? Of course, this written roadmap is flexible and subject to adjustment.

A clear vision should translate into a good title (and subtitle where appropriate). Titles make or break books. They give readers a clue about what to expect in the book. Activate your creativity when crafting a title. Don't be too fixated on a title that you cannot change it when it makes sense to do so.

Now, writing. The secret of writing a good book is... writing. Just get down to it. Let your in-built "creator" flow without much interruption for a while before engaging your in-built "editor". If you are analytical of your writing too soon, you are not likely to get too far and may soon become discouraged. Write regularly each day for a week or two before engaging your "editor". You'll be surprised how much you've written.

Engage your "editor". It must get its turn to make the writing better. Writers sometimes are not objective enough when it comes to their own writing - a weakness that affects their ability to edit themselves. Do be open to other people editing your work (and every written work needs some level of editing - "every written work"). Every written work would need some amount of rewriting. Only make sure that the quality of the finished work is improving all the time.

Sharpen your writing gift by learning from those who are good at it. Is there a style you admire? Study it. Your unique style will emerge sooner or later. You can learn a great deal through reading the writing of others, learning from blogs (Cec Murphey's "Writer to writer" is a good one), attend Writers' seminars/workshops (we hope to host one soon).

Write with your readers in mind. It is not enough you like your book. Your book is not good enough if your readers are not excited by it. If your book is intended to provide a solution to a problem, then your readers must feel that their questions were answered by the end of your book. If it is written to entertain, readers should not be bored. If you are writing to inspire, engage your readers from the very first page. Don't just write for yourself; write for your readers.

Finally, please be thorough. By this I mean do your homework and know your subject. Spend time researching. Be creative with words. Be grammatically correct. Use a thesaurus. Be expressive... and believe you can do it!

PS - If it will help, I can give you some feedback on your written work. Contact me via facebook or through israel@bookswithamission.org.

On becoming a bestseller (5)

2010-04-28T00:13:00.002+01:00

If you thought the process of writing a book was laborious and tiresome, wait until you learn about the process of achieving bestseller status. Nothing just happens; bestsellers require a lot of work and know-how. When I started writing, I was not aware of the know-how of making a book succeed. I know a bit today and I am still learning.

In this article, I want to deal will a few myths that many writers embrace regarding the publishing process. These myths abound in the writing world. They mislead many writers and frustrate their potentials. Below are some of them.

I only need to write very well. Any publisher will be interested in my writing.

Not true. To become a bestseller, you have to write well and do much more than write well. If you cannot demonstrate a ready market for the book you are proposing, you are likely to be rejected by traditional publishers. The identification and generation of a 'ready market' is one of the important steps to becoming a bestselling author.

If a publisher releases my book, it is bound to do well.

Not quite. These days, publishing is a joint venture between publisher and author; and the truth is, publishers are counting on you to make the book succeed. You cannot just write a book and then sit back and expect residual income to come through the door.

Everyone will like my book.

I wish it worked that way! Of course, you should be your number one fan. To expect everyone else to like and spend some money buying your book may be too much to ask. Nonetheless, the work put into getting more and more people to like your book is the real work of becoming a bestseller.

Good covers sell books.

To an extent, yes. But they are not the only factors. Many more determinants abound. I hope to cover them one by one as we proceed.

I can write more myths, some of which I had for many years. But the message is clear: a lot of work is needed to make a book a bestseller. This one thing I am convinced of: it does not matter how much work, you can and are ready to do it!

On Becoming a Bestseller (4)

2010-04-22T06:04:00.002+01:00

Books! Lots of books! Lots of books that people want to buy. That's what these series of writings are about. Have you missed the past lessons? Here are the links (Lesson 1, Lesson 2, Lesson 3). In this session, I want us to focus on the reason why you want to write a book (quite distinct from the reason why you write at all, as you will soon see).

So, why do you want to write and publish a book? Surely, it is the dream of every writer to have their name on the front of a printed book. This dream happened for me 21 years ago. I wrote Sharing the Word of God at the age of 18 and published before my 20th birthday. However, sooner or later, every writer will acknowledge that having their name (and picture) on the cover of a book is not enough reason for publishing a book. The novelty soon wears out. Good reason, but not enough reason.

Many writers have a burning message in their heart that they want to share with others. Some have an exciting story they want others to read. They then go on to do what many have done before them - write a book. I did too. Two years after my first book, a compelling message about revival in the church stirred in my heart and went on to write two books (Rediscovering God and Revival in the Desert). I wrote other things too, mainly newsletters. And that's a clue right there. With the emergence of internet technology, social networking and modern DIY desktop publishing software, a burning message can be communicated to your target audience without breaking the bank. Do you have a blog like this one? Do you communicate regularly via your FB page? What about starting an e-letter? The point here, one of many, is that a burning message, lessons from personal experience, an inspirational poem - you can share these with people easily and cheaply through others means other than producing a book.

Am I then discouraging writing a book? Far from it! My fourteenth book will soon be released, The Shift of A Lifetime. I help writers all the time. However, I now want to help writers produce bestsellers and not just produce a book. I hope you can see the difference. That a book is produced and placed in shops does not mean it is or will become a bestseller. Even, that a book is published by a 'big' traditional publisher (or nowadays, a print-on-demand publisher) does not mean it will become a bestseller. There are many more factors that contribute to a book becoming a bestseller, factors I've had to learn the hard way. I don't want you to make my mistakes hence the reason for these lessons.

Turning a manuscript into a book is not an inexpensive venture. So, before you dash off to the printers, count your costs very well. Have you done your homework diligently? Is this a potential bestseller? At the end of the day, you want a return on the costs you incur, don't you? And by the way, if one of the reasons why you want to produce a book is to generate another income stream, then you definitely need to learn the few things I have learnt in more than 20 years of producing books. Don't be like some who write something, produce a book and rely heavily on the launching day to recoup some of their 'investment'. Usually, these kind of books do not make an impact beyond the launching day. Writing for some continuous, residual cash return is not a bad idea, but you have to be really good to pull it off - not just in your writing but also in working through the factors that turn writings into bestselling books.

The noble reason for writing a book, in addition to the ones above, is that there is something inside you that others need to know about. A passion. A perspective. A cause. A story. If it is meant for many people in this generation and generations to come, then you should write a book. If it will change lives, even a life, then writing a book is worth the effort. If it is likely to do so well and raise some finance for a cause (and for you too, of course!), then write, write and don't stop writing until the book is complete. However, I beseech you, don't learn the hard way, the way most authors learn, the way I learnt; there is more to a book becoming a bestseller than just sending a manuscript to a printer (or a publisher).

* * * * *

Have any questions? Please write me. I want to help many people become bestselling authors. For now, I will continue to write these articles. In the future, more help will flow out of this well for writers. Keep drinking!

On Becoming a Bestseller (3)

2010-04-17T05:40:00.004+01:00

You now know why you write (lesson 1). You know the kind of writing you produce by default and your target audience (lesson 2). Let us now determine what your core message is, a key factor in becoming a bestselling author. It is also a key motivation for writing a book in the first place.

Do you know what your core message is? What is the one thing you want to tell your target audience every time you put words on paper? Can you summarise it in one paragraph? One sentence? What about a single word? Until you can state the mission of your writing in precise terms, you are not ready to become a bestselling author. Not having a clear mission will not stop you from writing and producing a book, but whether the book will become a bestseller is doubtful.

It is an extension of the premise that you will only be known for one thing in life. Once you apprehend this "one thing", not only will it reflect in your writing, it will also help you stand out from the multitude of writings out there. Assuming you are to write the one hundred and seventy seven thousand, five hundred and ninety fourth book on prayer (from my amazon.co.uk search), what is going to make it different from its predecessors? That's quite exaggerated, of course, but the point is, the world of books is so condensed, you do not want to enter it ambiguously. You do not want to blend with the crowd and become unnoticeable. By the way, just spending a fortune on promoting an undefined product will not make it a bestseller (somewhere down the line we will come to the subject of promotions; for now, we lay the foundations).

A clearly defined message is the centre point around which everything else revolves. It holds your writing efforts together and gives it substance and direction. It gives it a unique genetic code in the marketplace and multiplies its appeal. Even when you know your purpose in life, spending time on coining a word for it for the writing world will pay off in the end. I am finding this to be true in my writing. Even though I have always known that my purpose is to advance the purposes of God in the Earth and help others find the unique part they have to play in His Kingdom, I finally found a way to translate this into my writing. One word. You guessed it - Well-digging! It goes like this:

The land represents God's Kingdom
Everyone is given a portion of the land through promise
The only way to possess and rule over the land is by digging wells
Once you succeed in digging a well, your legacy outlasts you for many generations.

Do you think if I title the 177,594th book on prayer, The prayer-life of a Well-digger, it will stand out in the market? (By the way, if you try to publish a book with that title, it will so be unlike you. Everyone will know where you got the idea from!).

I really hope this is clear. It will require a whole workshop session to demonstrate the power of a crystal-clear message AND how to coin your own mission in a word. It's a bit like product branding. A branded product has more chances to do well in the market than an unbranded one. If you want to become a bestseller, you will need to brand yourself and your message.

The lessons continue. Please write your comments, ask questions or make suggestions on how these lessons can be improved. I'm here to serve you!

On Becoming a Bestseller (2)

2010-04-08T08:01:00.003+01:00

Now that you have established your reason for writing (following the last lesson), your fundamental reason for putting pen to paper, I want us to go a step further and put another building block in place. Two in fact. What kind of writing do you easily produce and To Whom do you write? Again, all these questions are relevant in the quest to becoming a bestseller.

So, what form of writing do you produce (or love to produce)? Is it fiction (stories based on imaginative creation and not facts) or non-fiction (topical, thematic or subject-based writing)? Is it poetry (rhythmic writing, usually with verses) or prose (the ordinary form of written language, without metrical structure)? Is it inspiration (designed to infuse with life and stir the heart towards a particular end) or academic (designed to engage the mind and deliver some educational value)? There is much benefit in knowing the kind of writing you are wired to produce. This will help you define your audience (which I'll come to in a moment).

As a fiction writer, there are a number of genres in which you may write, including mystery, fantasy, crime etc. As a non-fiction writer, you may discuss a subject, solve a problem, give self-help tips etc. It depends on your sense of calling as a writer and what comes naturally to you. I started by writing short inspirational notes. My first book was a collection of thoughts on the Why and How of Sharing the Word of God with others. Later, I began to write prophetic teachings and messages. I even shocked myself by writing a novel (The Greatest Well-digger in the World) after years of saying 'I am not a fiction writer'! The lesson? Don't restrict yourself to a writing box. You may write in a particular genre for a season and uncover some hidden potential to write in other genres later on.

Now, very important in this foundational process is a definition of the people you are writing to. It is not enough to say, 'My writing is for the whole world.' What you have said indirectly is that your writing is not meant for anyone in particular. Whilst the whole world may end up reading what you write, you need to start with an audience in mind. So, are you writing for men, women or children? If your writing is for women, what kind of woman? Single women, married women, career women, nursing mothers, abused women, women who are facing divorce? Who are you writing to? What kind of people will want to read what you write, fiction or non-fiction? When you zero in on a particular kind of person, not only will you be clearer in your communication, you will know where to find the people who would be interested in reading your work. In marketing it's called a niche market or a target audience. Whatever it is called, you need this working definition of potential readership for each of the works you produce. You are not ready to produce a book if you don't. Engage your thoughts and define the people to whom you write.

When I started writing, I was confident everyone needed to read what I wrote. Potentially, yes, but practically... it does not really work that way. It was not enough for someone to endorse my writing and say, 'Every Christian must read this book.' Again, whilst this may happen eventually, it is better to have a kind of person in mind. A very good example is the book of Luke and Acts in the Bible. Doctor Luke had an audience of one in mind, namely Theophilus. Because he wrote to this one audience, his writing was distinct from the other gospels and good enough to gain admission into the Canon of scripture (see Luke 1:1-4 and Acts 1:1,2). He wrote to one and has been read by all. I love that! Another example. John Wesley wrote his journals for himself, but the whole world has read them in part of in full (see this Amazon page for some of the titles on John Wesley's journals).

I have finally learnt this lesson. My new book, The Shift of A Lifetime (to be released soon), is written to Nigerians born between 1960 and 1970 (+/- 2 years), those living in Diaspora and at home in Nigeria. It is that specific. I could write the same book to all Africans living everywhere but have learnt that the narrower the niche, the better the chance of a wide readership.... Don't ignore this lesson. When you define your readership, you are more likely to be read by them.

* * * * *

In the next lesson, we will discuss a very important point: Why do you want to write a book? (Remember I said in the last lesson that this is different from the question, Why do you want to write...) . Until then, remain inspired!

On Becoming a Bestseller (1)

2010-04-06T08:48:00.003+01:00

Let's get started from the very beginning. And that's from a simple but fundamental question: Why do you write? Or why do you want to write? Have you thought about it before, the reason why you put your thoughts on paper? On the journey to becoming a bestselling author, you need to have a clear and compelling "WHY" that precedes your writing efforts.

Now, this question is different from another question, which we will ask later: Why do write books? Or why do you want to write a book? Related, but different. So, get ready to answer the first question. At the end of this session, I want you to be able to say, I write because...

Before you conclude on the reason why you write, please note that there are no right or wrong answers. There is no universal reason why writers write. You may have your unique reason for writing. And you should. You should also, be conscious of it and be motivated by it - daily.

I know why I write. Because God called me to write. The day after I gave my life to Christ, I was blessed with a gift to write. I had no love for writing or reading prior to this time. Suddenly, I found that I had something inside me that I wanted to put on paper, and I did so for nineteen hours! The grace that was given to me was the ability to capture the flow of inspiration and express it in written words. Two decades later, I still tap into inward inspiration better through writing than I do through speaking. I also believe that the inspiration I receive is not just for me but for the world at large. This is another reason why I write.

I will share yet another reason. More than twenty years ago, not long after I had become a Christian, I used to have bouts with depression. At those times, I even found it difficult to pray. One thing helped me, though. Writing. Through writing, I was able to offload my heart and connect with my inner self. I believed (and still do) that God read what I wrote, so I always wrote the truth from my heart - exactly how I felt. And it worked! It still does.

These are my foundational reasons. What are yours? Do you write because writing is your profession? Do you write because you have a love for writing? Do you write because you want to combat some injustice in the world? Do you write because you have something to say through your writing? Do you write because you have a gift of writing to share with the world? Do you write because you just have to write? Whatever your reason, be convinced of it and inspired by it - daily!

Later, the relevance of this first question will become clear. Those who have a clear and compelling WHY go all the way in pursuit of their writing goals. Because you have a WHY, go on and write some more!

(NEXT: We'll discuss the question, To Whom do you write?)

PS - Please leave comments on the Blog or on the Facebook group, The Writers' Well. Thanks.

It's OK to feel vulnerable

2009-09-06T10:12:00.003+01:00

When we follow God, especially through paths unknown, we are bound to have an inner sense of vulnerability. Contrary to what many have been taught, feelings of helplessness is not a lack of faith; they could, in fact, be a sign of progress in the journey of purpose.

Which is safer, staying in the "boat of comfort" or walking on the "waters of uncertainty"? Of course the former. "Walking on water" is utter foolishness to human reasoning. But sometimes, God's leading may require a step in the direction of vulnerability. Ask Peter. Agreed, he began to sink when he saw the boisterous waves, but then was rescued by the Lord who is always close by, always watching, ever present to help the helpless who call upon Him. Ask Peter again. He was not carried back to the boat and given a lesson on "safety first"; he and the Lord walked back on the same water that once threatened to destroy him. We may never learn lessons of faith if we do not go through seasons of vulnerability.

Whilst I am not advocating recklessness in our life decisions, it is certain that the call and leading of God will often times expose what we are really holding unto inside - God or something else. And it's OK to feel helpless when holding unto the invisible.

Why did Jesus pray as much as He did? Because He was helpless without God's help. Prayer and intimacy with God are divine remedies to human vulnerability. This is how missionaries of old spread the knowledge of God to the ends of the earth. This is how we must do it too.

Paul gloried in his weaknesses because they kept him dependent on God, and this dependency always made grace available for him. Thus the words of Christ, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Lord, I am gazing in the direction in which you are pointing, and all I can feel is utter helplessness in my self. My heart cries out to you, my Help. Guide me by Your Spirit. Make clear your leading and I will follow all the way, even when I feel vulnerable. Amen.

Unfamiliar paths

2009-09-04T00:26:00.003+01:00

We all want God to lead us. We expect Him to. What we don't always want is the unfamiliar paths He sometimes leads us on. These kind of "leadings" reveal the depth of our knowledge of and confidence in Him. Do I know God as the One who knows all things, all paths, the end from the beginning? Am I confident enough to follow Him even when I cannot recognise my surroundings?

Experience is not a bad thing, but if I am always relying on my past experiences and not the Lord, I will end up with limited "new" experiences and remain confined to my yesterday. God is bigger than my yesterday; He holds the key to my tomorrow.

A true well-digger is ready to leave the comfort of the "familiar" and follow God's voice to the Promised Land. A true well-digger will keep on following God no matter the obstacles on the way. If I stop "digging" half-way just because the journey is getting a bit dark and strange, I won't discover the fresh water of life that can bless countless communities. I am a well-digger; I will keep on following. His grace is available, even along unfamiliar paths.

Shepherd of my soul, I give you full control
Wherever You may lead I will follow
I have made a choice, to listen for Your voice
Wherever You may lead I will go

Practically overwhelmed!

2009-09-01T00:09:00.004+01:00

The Psalmist said it all: "When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I" (Psalm 61:1,2). At times, it does not take too much for the heart to become flooded with feelings of helplessness. This little organ, physically speaking, does so much on behalf of the body, pumping blood non-stop through miles of veins. As complicated and delicate its task, God knows that the heart is capable of carrying out its function effectively.

In the same way, our responsibilities and prevailing circumstances may involve so much, yet, God is able to help us bear them all. And when they make us feel as if our very life is slipping away, we can cry out to the God who hears the prayers of the righteous. He will doubtlessly attend to us and give us grace to overcome.

Whatever the overwhelming situation you are in, get ready to be lifted high to the Rock, even Jesus the Christ!

Wisdom of the Living One (2)

2009-08-26T16:48:00.004+01:00

This post is dedicated to my sister Doja, whose husband, Chris Adun (1964-2009), went to be with the Lord on Saturday morning, August 22.

No one is ever fully prepared for the tragedies of life. And even though Jesus said they will happen, rejoicing in the One who overcame the world is not our usual first reaction. I guess it shows we are still human. After this experience of great loss, Doja has amazingly shown her strong faith in God, with people constantly commenting on how "strong" she's been. But let us not forget that she's still human too.

None of us can imagine the gravity of the situation with Chris - the hospital visits, surgery, time spent at the hospice - with Doja, solidly at his side, still finding time to faithfully minister to others. She continued her weekly 'Song of the Week' post on FB and chose to worship God than complain. That, in my opinion, is one of the secrets of her strength at this time. True worship leads to intimacy, which builds character and fortifies us against the storms of life.

Well done, Doja. Yes you have to be strong, but not in yourself. As "the system" hurries you on and leaves you with little time to mourn, be aware that a fresh wave of reality will hit when Chris's body is laid to rest. Even at this time, I know you will be strong, because "The Living One" is right by your side. Your ability to face the future from then on will rest not on yourself, but on Christ, the Conqueror of death and hades.

Because He lives, you can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because you know he holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives

Wisdom of the Living One (1)

2009-08-25T22:32:00.003+01:00

I love the way Jesus introduces Himself to us in Revelation (one of many): "I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever!" (1:18). This simple statement captivates my heart. If Christ is the Living One, then everything outside Him is estranged from Life. I will rather be in the Living One than in the 'dead one'!

Jesus is my Life Coach! He is Life itself, the author and finisher of all that truly live.

When I follow His footsteps, I cannot miss my way.
When I hearken to His voice, I gain understanding.
When I remain connected to Him, I experience His everlasting life.

Jesus, the Living One, has all authority in the highest heaven and the deepest hell. What else can anyone ask for?

Lord, fill me with your wisdom each day as I seek to "dig wells" to your glory. Amen.

Wisdom of the dead (3)

2009-08-23T22:19:00.002+01:00

In my opinion, one of the most profound statements made by mortal man is, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Paul, with these words, established the superiority of eternity over this present life. Surely, a man who had visited the "third heavens" would know the difference between the earthly and the heavenly.

After weeks of praying for my brother-in-law, Chris Adun, who battled with cancer for a few months, he finally went to be with the Lord yesterday. Chris and my sister, Doja, believed for total recovery till the very last moment. But God always knows best. He is Sovereign and rules over all situations.

But is it really a "loss"? In the physical, yes, because Chris we will no longer see on this side of eternity. From a spiritual standpoint, and according to Paul's perspective, it is a "gain". If we can ask Chris today if he will want to come back to the Earth having tasted a few "hours" at home with Jesus, as much as he loves my sister and his children, he will most likely choose the "gain" of staying in heaven. It's hard for us to comprehend, but it is the truth. No amount of earthly comfort can compare with the joy of abiding in God's presence forever!

We will always remember Chris for good. Although he now sleeps, his voice speaks loud and clear. May the Lord uphold Doja and her children with His mighty hand of love. In due course, may the pain of Chris's departure be swallowed up by the gain of his newfound abode. Amen.

Wisdom of the dead (2)

2009-08-21T13:11:00.004+01:00

We all love the spectacular - sensational, attention-grabbing headlines that engage our senses and influence our thinking. Media houses are sold on this mindset, particularly with regards to "bad news". Stories of death, horror, the unexplained... these move faster than common sense "good news". This was the once-rich man's philosophy too.

"Please, father Abraham," he requested desperately, "send Lazarus to my family so he could warn them of the reality of life after death."

"That's a good idea," commended father Abraham, who wasn't surprised at the sudden evangelistic fervour that seemed to overcome the once-rich man. "But they have The Writings of Moses. These should suffice."

"The Writings? Those Dead Sea scrolls of years past? What can they do compared to the instant impact of Lazarus rising from the dead? Surely, the testimony of Lazarus will convince my five brothers to change their lifestyle and turn to God."

Father Abraham shook his head from side to side. "If they do not believe The Writings, they will not bulge even if the dead rises up from the grave."

The once-rich man tried to argue further but only a dry gulp of wind went through his scorched throat. In a flash, he recalled how much of The Writings he knew in his lifetime but sadly did not practice...

I have decided afresh to devote my life to the crafting of words, and to help others do the same. Writings, silent messengers on the printed page, wisdom that lingers long after their creators leave the Earth; these have the power to change a generation of people much more effectively than the spectacular, crowd-pulling events that catches everyone's fancy in the church world today. Events are not bad, but they should only affirm and complement The Writings. So said father Abraham (and Jesus who shared the story).

If you are called to produce writings, please do so from your heart, with Spirit. The once-rich men of years past are praying for you to reach their brethren before they cross the point of no return.

Wisdom of the dead (1)

2009-08-19T10:01:00.007+01:00

We don't like thinking about death. Why should we? After all, life will always go on and on without any unwanted interruption. Well, not quite. The parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-20) warns about the shortness of life and the unpredictability of death. It may not be a preferred subject of meditation, but when we do pause and ponder, those who die, especially our loved ones, can impart much wisdom to the living.

Nine years ago, I published a book for a dear friend, a well-loved woman who was passionate about God and people. Not long after From Trash to Treasure was published, we started to work on a second book, Treasures of Success. We never released the planned sequel because Ronke Sanusi went to be with the Lord before she could finish writing.

I remember the Sunday morning when the phone rang and the news was relayed. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I recalled the many times we had shared about purpose and destiny. I was grateful for playing a part in releasing From Trash to Treasure, and rededicated my life afresh to the reason why I am alive. I determined not to be indifferent to purpose, and to make a difference in God's Kingdom before death knocks on the door.

I have gone back to this portion from Ronke's book many times. Today, I am meditating on it once again:

I have since discovered that the greatest tragedy in life is not death but gravestones announcing unfulfilled potential. The other day I drove through a quiet cemetery in Columbus Ohio, and could not restrain myself from shaking my head as I saw children buried at the age of 12 and 15. The inscriptions on their grave was all they had to show for their lives - nothing more. I left the place so sad in my spirit, not because they died but because they did not live; they were buried with all they could have been. Right there and then I decided I will deprive the grave of all I have. I will die totally empty; I will exhaust my potential by maximising it here on earth before I sleep in the grave.
- From Trash to Treasure, page 60, 61

Lord, I will die empty. I will bless my world will all that you have put in me, Amen.

The Rediscovery of Self

2009-08-18T23:04:00.003+01:00

My Creator knows me inside out. He knows me so well, more than I know myself. He also knows my purpose, the very thing He created me to do and be. As for me, my knowledge is in part. So also is my commitment - at times. How grateful I am that His commitment is total.

I nearly missed my way. I was heading in the wrong direction. I had lost sight of what He had called me. Until His mighty hand came to rescue me. He stepped in and pulled my reins. He brought His word to my consciousness and helped me to rediscover myself. The Lord called me to write - I guess that makes me a writer!

Oh the joy of self-rediscovery! It sets me free from every attractive alternative and focuses me on the task ahead. I am now ready to pursue the purpose of God for my life with every fibre within me.

Oh Lord, help me to continue panting after you, for as I find you, I discover myself in thee.

New life!

2009-08-15T03:35:00.002+01:00

I recently discovered the benefit of dying daily: New life always emerges out of every death experience. When I refuse to die to self, I hinder the flow of life from within. In contrast, as I lay my all on the altar of sacrifice, precious grace is made available from the Throne of Grace itself. I will forever be grateful for the zoe life of God that is new every morning - after every night on the cross!

Thank you Lord!

It's all coming together now!

2009-03-08T22:51:00.002Z

I don't know how long you've been waiting for the manifestation of God's prophecies in your life? Do you feel like something is about to happen but don't know how or when exactly? Well, just sit back and relax in the knowledge that everything WILL come together in God's perfect time (and things are beautiful in God's time).

The words of God in our lives are like tiny "puzzle" pieces that we always try to fit together, many times without much success. We try to figure out what this word means and when that word will manifest. All we need to do, really, is obediently follow the Lord's leading and allow Him to fit all the prophecy pieces together. The result will be the beautiful masterpiece that He designed before we came into the world.

I am humbled by all that is happening in my life at this time. All the pieces are coming together now! I am understanding more fully how each word fits and my unique place in God's Kingdom. To God be all the glory for all that He has done!

Overwhelmed with excitement!

2009-03-03T12:44:00.004Z

Have you ever had expectations that were just about to be fulfilled? When last were you in circumstances that were too good to be true? I am sure you know what it means to be excited to the point of not being able to sleep!... This is exactly what I am experiencing at the moment!

God is doing some awesome things and I am grateful to Him.

Father, my heart is overwhelmed with your joy! Every word you have spoken will come to pass to the glory of your name!

I will survive!

2009-02-22T22:25:00.002Z

Last week was a very intense week of pressure and attack. But, to the glory of God, I have survived! Halleluyah!

There are times when one is tempted to conclude that there is no way out of certain adversities, but the Word of God is final - there is ALWAYS a way out of trials. No temptation is too hard for us to bear (God will not allow the one that will crush us to come our way).

So, thank God. I have survived and will survive! I will live to glorify my God in the land of the living. The Kingdom of God will advance through my life! This is the will and verdict of God!

I can explain!

2009-02-12T00:03:00.002Z

I can't believe it! Well, I can. I've not blogged for nearly a year! The grace was not just there as it was the first year of blogging. Sorry to all. Sorry Lord!

A lot of things have happened since last entry. I just got busy with a few things. Preparations for History Makers Bible School (www.hmbsuk.org), which started last September with Pastor Sunday Adelaja; going full time with the Church work and publishing; family commitments etc. I really had a lot on my plate and could not get to blog as much. I even got sucked into Facebook! Yea, search me out (Israel Emmanuel) and I'll confirm you as a friend!

To God be all the glory for the good things He has done! Life continues. Vision remains intact. Focus is being maintained. Testimonies will abound!

Well, perhaps I am back to blogging. We'll see. I am not really a sophisticated blogger as I don't have the time to add the fancy bits (pics, styles and all). I'm just a writer to the glory of God!

BTW, the new website of our church (www.hiskingdom.org.uk) is being launched in a few days (February 15). Can't wait!

Lord, I love you!

I repent!

2008-04-03T21:20:00.002+01:00

It has been ages since I posted a blog, nearly two months. I don't know exactly what happened. Busyness, I guess. No blog even on my 'nth' birthday last month. It had to take a dear friend, fellow blogger, to convict me of my sin of omission - of which I repent in dust and ashes!

Of course, it's not a sin in that sense, but to him who knows what is good to do and does not do it, to him it is sin. No excuses. Yes, it has been some very trying weeks, but no excuses. There is a lot of benefit in consistency in the face of difficulties. (Preach it bro!). These things help us to grow and gain wisdom. Through them we fine-tune our message - the end-product of our mess.

Anyway, I repent. I will keep running the race that has been set before me. I will continue to post the inspirations of the heart on this path of destiny.

(Come to think about it, so much has happened between the posts. Something good is really about to break forth. Another day, another blog!).

Lord, thank you for the grace of restoration!

God never fails

2008-02-13T18:19:00.002Z

Even in the midst of turbulent circumstances, we should never forget that God is still in control. His world never fails. If He makes a declaration, He would make sure it comes to pass. This is not negotiable. God will perform His word. Our own part in the covenant is to believe and obey.

Thank you Father for perfecting Your word in my life!

It's ok to cry

2008-02-08T11:38:00.000Z

We seem to have raised a generation of Christians who think that faith and pain do not mix. Church services are full of people with masks. The suits and the skirts; the perfume and the layers... all these tend to hide away the reality that most feel on a daily basis. Worse still, if you cry or express displeasure, you are not a peson of faith. This is not entirely true!

Sometimes weeping endures throughout the night, not just a few minutes in the night. Sometimes life hurts really bad. Faith is not the denial of pain, but the understanding that there is hope - concrete, tangible hope - beyond the pain. Jesus cannot be the resurrection and the life if there is no death and burial (and let no one tell me that death is not painful!).

I have been sharing with the church and with friends that we are in a season of fulfilment, and in these times, we need to know some principles that will help us live out our prophecies. I will share the first principle here:

Acknowlede your pain, but refuse to die!

You may be pressed on every side, but you are still here. The pressing is not fun; don't act like it is. If you need to cry, cry; but refuse to die. Do not give up. Do not quit before your breakthrough manifests. Do not 'curse God and die' either. When people hide their pain from people around them, they tend to 'curse God' in their hearts. Be transparent before God and man. Your faith will not grow weak because of your sincerity; in fact it will grow stronger.

Let out the cry of David: "I will not die but live to declare the works of the Lord!" Even when it hurts, God is still good, all the time!

Father, sometimes I cannot see how You will see me through my ordeals, but I am strengthened by the picture you have shown me of what lies on the other side. If there is an "other side", then I am not destined to die in the valley. O Lord, take me by the hand and lead me through. Amen.

Looking forward

2008-02-04T14:02:00.000Z

It has been a great week in Atlanta. But good things will come to an end - sooner or later. Today is the day as far as Atlanta is concerned. I board a plane to London this evening. Can't wait!

As good as Atlanta has been, there's nowhere like home. The houses here are massive and cozy, but there is still nowhere like home (I can just imagine Destiny and Daniel screaming when they meet me at home on their way back from school - or if I go pick them from school! That would be good!).

Also, there is nowhere like your place of assignment. UK is my place of assignment, and I am looking forward to the things God will do once I get back. The Lord has promised a breakthrough on every side.

Oh Lord, take control of the journey back home. I look forward to things You will do in London, all to Your glory and praise. Amen.

Atlanta, great so far!

2008-02-01T16:40:00.000Z

The conference concluded yesterday. I'm glad I was a part of it, seeing firsthand the revolution that is about to hit the church and this great nation! O Lord, may it gather momentum to the glory of Your name!

I met people I've not seen for ages - Joe Takon, ECU president that I've not seen since 1988; Lanre Ijiwola, saw him last in 1999; and many others. Made some new friends as well - Obi Chidebelu-Eze, great guy, having lunch with him tomorrow, May Salami, minister in UK; and others... After resting today, we would take time to explore Atlanta. I am also looking forward to eating out in one of the many restaurants! God help me today!

Linda and the kids are counting down, as I am. Monday won't be long!

A week in Atlanta!

2008-01-31T05:24:00.000Z

Blogging from Atlanta, GA. Flew in Monday, leaving Monday. Attending a leaders' conference with two friends(www.billion.tv).

As they say, God bless America! Everything is bigger than normal. For instance, we hired a car at the airport, and only had enough to pay for a standard 4-door car. On the pictures we were shown, it looked a bit small, and we were ready to manage the space available, if need be.

The sales guy who attended to us at the showroom wanted to upgrade us to a larger car, claiming that three guys with lots of suitcases need something comfortable. We requested to at least see what we have already paid for, the "standard" car.

When we got to the car, we were stunned! The American "standard" was UK's luxury vehicle! It was big, roomy and new! Upgrade? Forget it! Standard will do, thank you very much!

It has been great so far. Just missing my wife and children. The Lord keep them in His love. Amen!

I'm desperate for YOU!

2008-01-15T23:31:00.000Z

In this season of rapid change, Lord I am desperate for You. What can I do without Your presence in my life? Only You can see me through to the other side and I am determined to go all the way with You.

So, empty me of myself and fill me to overflowing with Your self. I choose to press in and press on to lay hold of that for which you have laid hold on me. Let Your grace abound towards me for every good work ordained for me.

I am desperate for You, O Lord. Please transform me from this level of glory to the next.

Amen.

Up for a fight?

2008-01-07T19:48:00.000Z

Too early in the year to be talking about "fighting the good fight". But the first four months of this year requires just that - a dedicated, fighting approach to our dreams and goals. Why four months? It is the time when dreams are miscarried or aborted. So, do not even thing about giving up.

Are you up for a fight?

New Blog Resolutions

2008-01-01T11:09:00.000Z

Thanks to God, 2008 is here! The old has gone, the new has come! Surely this is a year of new beginnings; a year to arise to a new level of shining. May the good purposes of God come to pass in and through all of our lives!

Now, almost everyone makes them; new year resolutions I mean. Sometimes, last minute, sometimes well thought-through, NYRs are a reminder that better results in life require constant improvement in lifestyle. Goals and targets will always be necessary in our journey to the place called destiny.

So, as far as by blog is concerned, do I have any NYRs? After all, blogging has become a lifestyle for many in recent times. Are there things that I need to change for "better results"? Well, it depends on what results I was looking for in the first place. For me, it is important that I do not deviate from the reason why I started blogging in the first place. I am committed to documenting my thoughts on the road to destiny, markers that help me stay on track and on course. In other words, my NBR should enhance my original purpose. Let me have a shot at it then...

1. Continue to be transparent
2. Post a little bit more often
3. Learn, at some point down the line, how to add pictures!
4. Be led by God

Too many NYRs (or NBRs) can set you up for instant failure with a load of corresponding guilt. Four is enough for me! Wisdom says, keep it simple and attainable.

(For others bloggers out there, what would your NBRs be if you were to make some? Stop blogging? I hope not, you will be badly missed if you do! Happy new blogging year to you!)

Father, thank You for yet another year! I cannot say thank You enough for Your sustaining grace that has seen me through into another season of hope and glory. May I continue to be committed to doing your will, growing in grace and blessing my world. I pray for strength to see my NYRs and NBRs through to the end. Lord, I commit to constant and never-ending improvement of my life and service. In the precious name of my Saviour Jesus, amen.

The end of 2007 is in sight!

2007-12-18T18:24:00.000Z

Truth is, it has been in view since October at the least. The Spirit of prophecy has been revealing a lot about the times that are upon us. Last minute 'New Year Resolutions' will not suffice. Now is the time to get in tune with the Lord and anticipate the move of His Spirit in the new year.

Two cannot walk together lest they are in agreement. So, let us all align ourselves with the One who knows and leads the way. This is the only guarantee for walking in the centre of God's purpose for our lives.

Lord make me ready for 2008, the year of influence and glorious new horizons. Amen.

A revolution is on the way!

2007-12-07T10:50:00.000Z

Blogging from Embassy of God in Kiev. So glad to be at the Winter Fast to witness first hand a revolution that is about to hit the body of Christ and the world. This is no joke; the message of the kingdom of righteousness will fill the earth as the waters cover the sea!

This is what my whole being has been waiting for; the true essence of life in God. Such a shaking is about to hit the religious system of "Charismagic Christianity". Sadly, the lamp of many will stop burning because they have run out of oil. Please, please, NOW is the time for us to fill up in God and trim our lamps. Every out-of-line concept that is not based on the totality of God's Truth will be shaken to the core. Do not be caught unawares.

I have seen, heard and worshipped with many living testimonies. Ex-drug addicts now reaching other drug addicts; ex-prostitutes now living free and influencing thousands of school students; ex-transexual launching a ministry to others still bound... the list is endless. Every sphere of society is being covered by the great army I have fellowshipped with here in Kiev. Now, the understanding and revelation that birthed this church is going global through the Churchshift movement. I am glad to be a part.

Let the earth hearken for the glory of God is here!

13 years to the day! Thank you Jesus!

2007-12-03T10:54:00.000Z

I am typing from the airport, due to fly out to Eastern Europe (Kiev) in a few minutes, but only after a full day of celebrating our 13th year anniversary! So much to thank God for. So much to remember. This is the truth of the matter: I married the right person God ordained for me and will do it again if given the chance!

So, thank your for Mine, Lord. Thank you for bringing us this far. Our times our in your hand and the future is secure in you. May our love continue to grow in spite of the circumstances. Help us to raise our children in the ways of righteousness and help us to be a blessing to our generation. AGAPE4EVER to the glory of your name!

There are thorns on my Rose flower!

2007-11-28T14:03:00.000Z

Ouch! That really hurt! Nobody told me that roses have thorns. Would I have to live with them?

When I found my "rose" a few 21 years ago, and later formalised my "ownership" 7 years later, I could only see the glorious, colourful petals and enjoy the sweet aroma that she gave. I was not fully aware of the thorny bits down the stem. Unfortunately, we were not always together in the same town. And even if we were, I probably would not have noticed them anyway. We were young, you see, and we had heard from God... Oh how necessary it is to have some good counsel before plucking the rose (or allowing yourself to be plucked)!

I also had a belief at the time (somewhere in me it is still held as true) that marriage can be a replica of Eden, if both man and woman are committed to God and to each other. There should not be any insurmountable problem if God is in the mix. I used to identify with those who "testified" that they have never had a fight in their marriage. Why should you if you are both taught by God to love? Well... it wasn't too long before... ouch! Where did that come from?

Truth is, we all come into marriage with different baggage, events that are a part of our history, things that the enemy of oneness can use against us at the slightest of chances. Every issue not dealt with beforehand is an opportunity for attack. Sadly, we had loads of such and they all began to backfire around the same time. Add to that the fact that Mine could not join me in the UK for the next 3 1/2 years after marriage (and I was only able to visit twice within that time). Ouch! We sure did not envisage that!

This much I know now: Roses have thorns, many of them. Big sharp ones; tiny stubborn ones. They are part of the package. We learn to live and deal with them...

This more I know: the less baggage we bring to the place called home, the better. At least, we should be aware of what we are carrying; most of the time we are not, and when it is pointed out to us, we react in defense. The reality is that our Father, who knows our end from the beginning, has as the option of making us better people in the home context, and the process of becoming a better person is never without a few "ouches"!!! Even the Rose of Sharon wore a crown of thorns...

One more thing I know: God's grace is sufficient for the faithful in heart...

Lord, what can I say? You have brought us this far. Please take us further into your will and purpose for our lives. Continue to teach us, and may that which we have already been taught be a blessing to many a generation. Thank you Father!

Divorce is not God's original plan

2007-11-27T12:40:00.000Z

I read some responses to a missionary friend's article on divorce, even though I had not read the original article, and felt I should add my voice to the conviction of many in the Church. Here's my unedited response below (I have since read the article which is also posted below):

I did not read the original article but have browsed some of the responses. The truth is, though divorce is a reality in our time as it was in Jesus' time, God's original purpose for marriage is still the same - that no man puts asunder that which God joins together. He will not lower His standard just because we are having challenges. It is always better in the long run to stay our ground and win than to flee.

Having said this, divorce is certainly not the unpardonable sin. And this is where we get caught. That God can pardon sin does not make sin acceptable. I will be 13 years married to my wife this weekend and in those years, there has been a number of times when divorce seemed to be the only solution. But if we look closely and well enough, there is always a way - God's way - out of the 'temptation' to divorce. God is faithful to provide the way, but will we be humble and selfless enough to take His ordained path for the particular moment? Many have chosen their own way and it has led, and will always lead, to heartache.

My heart goes out to everyone who is under marital pressures at this time, may you find the counsel of God for your situation - the way ordained for you to overcome with a testimony of God's faithfulness.

Dear reader, what do you think? Feel free to write a comment.

Till death do us part - by ChimWRITE

2007-11-27T11:47:00.000Z

"What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder" (Matthew 19:6)

I want to discuss an issue that was raised in Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisees in Mathew 19:1-12. It is about divorce and it is something that has bothered me for a long time.
I believe the Pharisees felt they could put Jesus on the spot by bringing up this issue because, just as in our day, divorce in those days had become very rampart. Such that it had become a "don't-preach- against" issue for preachers who cared about their popularity. Today it is hard to preach God’s mind concerning divorce without being labeled judgmental or narrow-minded. Among believers and even some preachers divorce has come to be widely accepted. But Jesus was not afraid to confront the issue head-on, as we see from his reply.

Jesus' reply to the question whether one can divorce was that God’s original plan for marriage was that there would be no divorce. He said “in the beginning this was not so”. "In the beginning" divorce was not part of the Creator’s design for marriage. Instead the mystery of marriage is that when a man and a woman unite together in marriage they become one flesh. No longer two.

The mistake we make is to look at the physical and feel that since they are still two individuals, they can conveniently divorce themselves, if they want. But in reality, what they are now is an entity so that what divorce leaves behind are not two whole individuals but two incomplete pieces of a whole. Only those that have experienced it can tell the amount of pain and mess that divorce always leaves behind.

The Pharisees understood Jesus was saying "no" to divorce, that is why they asked why Moses, the man of God, permitted it. Jesus said it was permitted because of the hardiness of the heart of the people even though it was not in line with God’s plan. Here is a lesson for us - it is possible that through the hardiness of heart of a generation for things that are not in line with God’s order, sin can become accepted and permitted in the Church. But majority decision does not change God’s standard.

The only reason for divorce that Jesus allows here is fornication. Yet it is clear from the context of his discourse that divorce is not to be an option in marriage. The disciples understood what he was saying, that was why they said “If this is the situation between a husband and a wife, it is better not to marry”. That is to say, “if marriage has only an entrance and no exit, given all the heat that comes up in marriage, it is better not to marry”!

But understanding that God planned marriage to have only an entrance and no exit does not turn it into hell on earth, but instead an opportunity to build a heaven on earth. I know it is difficult to generalize, but I believe there are many dissolved marriages that could have become glorious if the man and wife did not believe divorce was an option. When we come into marriage without divorce in our vocabulary, we would put in our all to make it work, because we believe there is no other option.

Every marriage has its challenges, yet if we do not hold firmly to God’s standard of "no divorce", we would not have the backbone to fight for our marriage, to pay the price of seeing it become a glorious testimony of a Christian marriage. We will give up too soon.

Ours is an age that are “lovers of their own selves”. I, me, mine are some of the big gods of this age. That is why marriage, as God planned it, is so difficult for us today. Marriage is not about what you can get, but what you can give. Marriage is God’s school of discipleship.

I pray that these truths do not come to you as judgmental but as an encouragement. It doesn’t matter what you have done in the past, what matters is what you’d do now. There are things we cannot change in our past but no matter where we are today, we can, by the grace of God, begin to live by this truth.

I’d would be looking forward to reading your comments on this issue. I intend to post the discussions that this article will generate in the coming weeks so please let me hear from you. And please do pray for your marriage and other christian marriages because there heated attack from hell on these like never before. And please don't hesitate to let me know how I can pray for yours.

Reply to: chim_ibidun@ hotmail.com (or/and post a comment here)

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 23

2007-11-23T23:14:00.000Z

Tagged by Rinsola

Join me in the Thankfulness Chain....if you've been tagged, please complete the tag on the assigned day example... if you're tagged for November 21... that is day 21 and you should title your post 30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 21 provide a link to the person that tagged you previously Also provide a link to the two people that you're tagging for the next day so we can all follow the chain... Do let them know they're being tagged.. why they're being tagged, and how to grow the chain if you're unable to do the tag on your assigned day... still choose the day to reflect the date you do it (if you're choosing not to back date it) ...example... if you're tagged for November 25 but dont get to do it till November 27... and you're not back dating.. it's okay to do it as Day 27 you can post these rules or something to this effect to help it along...

I was tagged by a blogging friend to give God thanks today - for today and everyday, and everything. Thank you Father for putting it in the mind of my co-blogger to tag me (now, that's a good place to start!).

Truth is, there is always a thousand and one things to thank God for if we think hard enough, and even when you try to think of one, that special one, you get lost in thought. This is why overflowing thankfulness should be our way of life, not for any favour or breakthrough, but because our good Lord is worthy of thanks (interesting, I preached on this a year ago - I hope I've lived up to the message! Want to listen? Click here!)...

Father, I am grateful to You for You, Your love, grace and faithfulness.
I thank You for always being there, through the years, through the tears.
I thank You for Your mercies that You extend to me, every now and again.
I thank You for calling me by name, before I popped out of my mother's womb.
I thank You for pouring Yourself in me, Your gifts and Your grace.
I thank You for revealing Your life in and manifesting Your goodness through me.
I thank You for leading me to where I am today.
I thank You for the last 13 years with Linda, and the 8 years before then.
I thank You for Destiny and Daniel, the fruit of our union to date.
I thank You for all the pain that love has conquered.
I thank You for all the love that pain cannot conquer.
I thank You for what you have in store for those who love You.
I thank You for revival that is looming in the air.
I thank You, I thank You, I thank You!
For the opportunity to thank You, Father, I thank You...

I tag my sister Kike, Daughter of Encouragement, (who got me blogging) and Sisbee (who, I think, got me into this great circle of bloggers!)... Let the thankfulness flow, I mean overflow!

When love comes of age

2007-11-16T13:05:00.000Z

Thirteen years married! It's no joke! Well, in our day and age, when the sanctity of marriage is belittled by those who ought to protect it, I cannot but thank God for bringing Linda and I this far.

Thirteen, the first of the teenage years. The Bar Mitzvah year of transition into manhood. Probably, this may be the year when our love come of age. This one thing I know, love at year 13 is different from love at year 1! What are the differences?

At year 1, love is first emotional before it is rational.
At year 13, love is first rational before it is emotional.
At year 1, love is more emotional than rational.
At year 13, love is more rational than emotional.
At year 1, love is learning to trust.
At year 13, love has learnt to trust (hopefully!).
At year 1, love is more delighted when it receives.
At year 13, love is more delighted when it gives...

In all this, the most important thing is for God to be involved in the union of a man with a woman from day 1. This, to me, is a key to longevity in marriage - and I don't mean casual involvement. I have observed that nowadays, when it comes to choosing a partner, people involve God at varying degrees. (Well, since Adam blamed God for the wife who caused his disobedience, God will only get involved in our choice of partner to the degree that we involve Him, hence "He who finds a wife..." and not "He who is given a wife...").

In other words, if love will truly come of age, the opinion of Him who sees the end from the beginning must be highly sought. He knows who is best for us, not just in year 1 but also in year 13 and beyond. I cannot stress this enough. Dating is good. Checking compartibility is not wrong. (And there are a catalogue of other practical things that one can do to be sure of Mr. or Mrs. Right). But having God's express instruction and approval is priceless. It may be the lifeline at crucial break points. It has been for us! (What does this say about learning to hear and obey God now, in the 'small things', rather than learning to know His voice when the time to choose comes?).

I know that marriages break at year 1 as they do at year 13 (or any other year for that matter), but with a strong commitment to God and the marriage covenant, anti-marriage forces stand no chance. We've withstood many in our short time, and I can tell anyone that it is better to fight and win than to give up and flee. With God, all things are possible.

I, perhaps, will take this a bit deeper, soon (as time permits). But I am glad that 'Mine' (my pet name for Linda) is still mine and we are both His!

Father, what can I say? Thank you for keeping us in your love and for teaching us what it means to love. Amen.

Taught to love by God

2007-11-09T14:14:00.000Z

"Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other" (1 Thessalonians 4:9).

Because "God is love" and love is of God, we cannot truly love unless by and through God. The more we are conformed to the image of God in Christ, the more truly we can love. So, yes, there is a progressive dimension to our ability to love as God will. Oh that God's people will submit fully to the teachings of the Spirit in all things!

Life is our school. God is our teacher. There is no automatic promotion. Every test must be passed! When tests are skipped or failed, we get to resit them at a later date. Is there any joy in repeating classes and remaining a baby Christian for life?

True love is time-consuming and self-sacrificing. It seeks the best in others and serves rather than want to be served. Just think about the example of the Good Samaritan and this truth becomes clearer.

"How can I live with this man if I can't trust him?" - Rinsola

This touches on an intimate dimension of love as ordained by God - the loved between a man and a woman. Hmm... so much to write here! I'll take it in bits, well, as a countdown to my 13th anniversary of being married to the same woman! 24 days to December 3rd, the day I tied the knot. I think I've got a few things to say about love and trust! And it all goes back to where we began from - taught to love by God!

Father, please teach us to love. Continue to teach me to love. To love my wife and children. To love everyone You've put in my care in church. To love everyone I come in contact with. To love the world that You died for. To love without prejudice. To love like You will. Amen.

What must we now do? (2)

2007-11-07T06:30:00.000Z

Comment: I strongly believe it all starts from and with "Love", but how can we really love people the way God wants us to?

I cannot agree with rinsola more. Everything begins and ends with Love. If we are going to make a difference in the land of our calling, we must be living emissaries of God's love in our spheres of influence. However, the reason why I want to provoke us all to ask pertinent questions about the practice of our faith is that, in my opinion, the church world, consciously or unconsciously, has created a culture where if we love at all, it is ourselves we love.

We go to church for ourselves, pray and fast for ourselves, give offerings for ourselves (a hundred fold return!), go to work for ourselves (pay cheque)... we are always anticipating a breakthrough for ourselves... everything else comes second place. I may be guilty of generalising, but I am aware of my responsibility to provoke God's people to "love and good deeds" (Hebrews 11:24). So, there you go!

Love is certainly the answer, but even this right answer beckons the question "how can we really love people the way God wants us to?" This is why I want us all to continue asking questions! The messages we hear in church ought to be answers to deep questions (deep calls unto deep); they should intentionally prepare us for our unique ministries of love. In essence, if we are really ready to "love the way God wants us to," we must first hunger and thirst for a fresh revelation of this love - the breath, the height, the depth and the width of it! (Ephesians 3:17,18). We cannot demonstrate it if we do not understand it (and if we do not live out the little we comprehend, more insight will not come to us from above).

A shift is necessary in the church today, an urgent return to our "first love". Loving God in truth is the first commandment that fulfils every law. The outflow of this is practical love towards the unloved around us... But what does it mean to love God and who are the unloved that need our love? (Questions, more questions!).

There's surely more to come on this love thing!

Father, if I have made myself and my goals the object of my pursuits, forgive me.

If I have relegated You to second place in my thoughts, forgive me.

If my the bulk of my time is spent bettering my life rather than enriching my relationship with You and serving others, please forgive me.

If I am only consumed about the state of my life and am not sensitive to the condition of others around me, dear Lord forgive me.

Teach me love. Teach me to love. And may there be a fresh revolution of love in Your Church, starting with me. Thanks Lord!

What must we now do? (1)

2007-11-02T13:12:00.000Z

"Dear pastor what must we do now in practical terms? I am a Christian who wants to make a change."

In response to the above comment by one of my readers to the post of October 26, I want to begin sharing a few things as the Lord leads. Firstly, this is the right question to ask! Until we realise that a change is necessary, we would not enquire on how we need to change or what needs to change. Worse still, we will continue in our error and not attain the mark set by God. Remember the day of Pentecost? "What must we now do" is the place to start.

Questions are powerful, especially if we ask them from the right sources - those that can deliver the right answers. Sadly, the church world is conditioned in such a way that discourages God's people from asking questions. Whatever the 'man of God' says is taken as the gospel truth, when a simple, genuine interrogation, especially for clarity, will reveal what lies underneath. The disciples asked questions of Jesus, and likewise, Jesus asked questions of them. The Lord did not just assume that they understood what He taught them; He gave time to the asking and answering of questions.

So, what must we begin to do in order to see change in the church world and consequently in the nation? We need to show the Lord that we are ready to learn afresh by asking pertinent questions about ourselves and the practice of our faith. God is committed to teaching us only when we come to Him to learn. He is also determined to give us teachers after His own heart who will lead us on the paths of righteousness. Let us ask and we shall receive.

Ok, this seems basic, but let us do it. Let us pause. Selah. Reflect and make enquiry. I wrote a book in 2000, The Charismatic Agenda, to provoke people into asking questions. (Visit www.hiskingdom.org.uk and you will find out how to receive a free copy).

I will continue to answer this question, and if you feel the need to, you can question my answer!

The destiny of my nation

2007-10-26T09:48:00.000+01:00

"My nation." I refer to the United Kingdom here, for God's word encourages us to adopt the nation of our residence as a place of inheritance (UK is the land of my birth anyway). The destiny of Great Britain as a spiritual leader in the community of nations is under threat. Something drastic must happen to restore God's purpose for this island.

I believe God has not finished with Britain. We have a major role to play in the consummation of God's programme in the earth. In order to occupy our place effectively, the Spirit and power of Elijah must now break forth amongst us and lead us back to the One and only true God. Enough of religion, let us usher in the kingdom of the Most High!

Father, Great Britain belongs to you! Receive her as your inheritance and let your glory fill the land as the waters cover the sea!

The destiny of nations

2007-10-22T16:41:00.000+01:00

Our commission from Christ requires us to take responsibility for the destiny of nations and not just the destiny of people. As we seek the kingdom of God in our nation of calling, surely the people in the nation will be impacted by the righteousness of the kingdom. However, if we only seek to reach people, the nation may still end up in ruin, especially if the people are not taught to express their faith everywhere in the nation.

We are to disciple all nations and bring the rule of God to bear on society. Tall order, but not impossible with the power and authority of God in us. For this purpose, a drastic shift is taking place in many sections of the church. We need to see things in a different way to how we have always seen things. We need a perspective that is all-inclusive and not subjective. We need to exercise the rule of Christ even in the midst of His enemies.

Let us arise, take the destiny of our nations into our hands and see what the Lord will do through us. With God, nothing shall be impossible!

Father, I arise!

CHURCHSHIFT.ORG

2007-10-13T13:48:00.000+01:00

The new focus of Pastor Sunday's ministry is the reformation of the global church. Through God, he wants to see a total shift in the way we do church - from egocentric objectives to Christ-centred pursuits. And the objective of Christ is to reap the harvest of the earth and deliver the kingdoms of this world to God.

This is the mandate of the church - to disciple all nations with the principles of rigtheousness; to present all nations to God as an offering acceptable to Him. Pastor Sunday is achieving this in Ukraine. Now, he wants to pass on what he has learnt to 10,000 churches in America and 100,000 around the world. You can get more information about Churchshift from www.churchshift.org.

Let us get into the flow of God's final move upon the earth. Let us all "shift" and finish God's work upon the earth.

Lord, count me as one of the number!

Overcoming discouragement

2007-10-09T15:21:00.000+01:00

Our calling in God is an upward call. A successful venture will require constant victory over discouragment. Though the enemy of faith throws all sorts of things to stop the advancing believer, God's soldier must keep on pressing in and on.

Here's some wise counsel:

You are destined to soar
But if you cannot soar, run
If you cannot run, walk
If you cannot walk, crawl
By all means and whatever happens, keep on moving
By all means and whatever happens, do not compromise

The Lord will bring you to HIS destination ordained for you.

Father, thank you for the Holy Spirit who keeps us focused at all times on the purpose for which you have called. Whatever happens, O Lord, I will keep on going for you. Amen!

One year on!

2007-10-01T23:35:00.000+01:00

Exactly a year today, we stepped out in obedience to God to start His Kingdom Outreach. Oh the joy of obedience! I am grateful to God for the grace to launch into the deep. I am also grateful for the results so far.

One year on, I can see wisdom of God in operation. Our first year was a year of planting, a year of laying foundation. This next year, starting today, is our year of learning, a year of the first fruit. As we begin to take responsibility for different aspects of society, God is going to teach us many things in a practical way. We are convinced London will never remain the same.

I will not write a report of all the happenings, only to say that it is better to obey God than to offer a thousand sacrifices. God's instructions not only link us to our destiny and His supply, they are our lifeline on the path of righteousness. Through the voice of His leading, we now have a level of momentum that will cause many things to begin to happen. All for the glory and praise of His name.

Father, I cannot thank You enough for all that You have done in and through me this past year. Oh Lord receive my thanks and accept the offering of my life. May all I do be for the futherance of Your kingdom here on earth. Amen.

Global gathering of champions

2007-09-25T10:53:00.000+01:00

I heard the Lord speak a word in my spirit. He said that He is gathering His champions together for concerted spiritual battle and extensive Kingdom advance. Mighty men and women of valour will begin to locate each other and team up for great exploits. The purpose is one: for God's glory to engulf every nation on earth and for His kingdom to come in the fullness that is ordained for this time.

God's champions are not those that we can easily point to in the natural. (Unfortunately, we so easily operate in the flesh and judge by the seeing of the eyes). Also, God's champions are not those who have sought for so long to occupy positions of importance in the Church. God's champions are those who have learnt what it means to persevere in the wilderness of affliction; those who treasure the friendship of God in the midst of tribulation; those who have refused to bow their knees to other gods when others have found it the most convenient thing to do. These are God's champions, people ready to strive together for the faith of the gospel of Christ.

Heaven is drawing near to earth. Through this generation's champions of faith the knowledge of the Holy will spread abroad. Manifestations of power will abound and all the glory will be to the Lord Most High. Let no one who has faithfully waited on the Lord despair in this hour. The season of divine exaltation has come. But let those who have focused their energies on prospering themselves through lies and deceit be full of dread, for the Lord is determined to repay the wicked for all the evil they have done in His name. The Lord is in His Temple, let all the earth tremble before Him.

Father, have Your way in Your Body. Let Your agenda roll out with speed and finality. Let those who fear Your name draw near. Let those who have abandoned The Way be convicted of their error. In all things, let Your will be done. Gather Your people from the four corners of the earth and empower us both to do Your will and finish Your work. Amen.

Reformation Spirit!

2007-09-13T12:24:00.000+01:00

If I would summarise what I see the Lord doing in the Church today, only two words will suffice: Reformation Spirit! (with the exclamation mark please!!). God is raising up those of whom He has spoken long ago, a violent and focused people who desire nothing other than the purposes of God's Kingdom. I am not shy to admit that I am one of such, and it is encouraging to meet more of the same kind every day.

The last few weeks in particular have been interesting. The Reformation Spirit seems to loom closer to earth than it has ever done in recent times. Men and women are coming out of the wilderness and into the harvest fields of the earth. I see new works being commissioned, creative initiatives being embarked upon, kingdom prayers being offered to the heavens. Believe me, something is about to hit the earth so strong!

One major happening in the Church of late, which signifies the beginning of a global outbreak of God's final Reformation Agenda, is the fresh emphasis in the ministry of Pastor Sunday Adelaja, senior pastor of Embassy of the Blessed Kingdom of God for All Nations, Kiev, Ukraine. As if the kingdom impact he has experienced in Ukraine is not enough, God is now leading him first to hand over the work in Kiev to someone else and secondly, to devote his energy to the next phase of his ministry. What is this "next phase"? To bring reformation to the body of Christ worldwide; to see a total shift in the way we do church. Talk about Reformation Spirit!

This is no joke. God means business. He has moved the cloud of glory from where we think it is to where He wants it to be. The Lord has ordained unprecedented progress in the Church at this time, the effects of which will be seen and felt in every nation of the world. What He has started no one can stop. The question to ponder on is: Am I a part of what God is doing or only a part of what God has done? Am I living in past glory or following the Spirit of glory? Am I a force in God's movement or an old block in man's monuments? Child of God, do not take these promptings lightly. They may be the difference between life and death; between being used of God and being discarded by God. The choice is yours.

If you want to read a bit more about Pastor Sunday Adelaja's fresh ministry focus, click here. (The focus is first on the Church in America, but also, simultaneously, on the Church all over the world).

If you want to listen to relevant, pungent messages about the Kingdom of God, learn from Pastor Sunday by visiting his site www.pastorsunday.com (Highly recommended. I did this almost everyday in 2005, and still do. I have never remained the same since).

If you want to know more about Embassy of God and the recent invitation for the church to be a member of the United Nations, click here.

If you want to receive articles about the present Reformation season, leave a comment after reading this blog or email me at: israel@bwam.org

If you are passionate about seeing Reformation in the United Kingdom and want to join others in corporate all-night prayers, also email me at: admin@reformingbritain.org.uk

Father, may Your people be willing in the day of Your power!

Season of fulfilment

2007-09-08T13:09:00.000+01:00

Yes, we are already in the time for the culmination of all things. Those who are in tune with God will find their steps ordered of God and unusual favour on their paths for fulfilling purpose. There is no time for game playing; only those who are passionate about purpose will know the manifest presence of God that makes things happen supernaturally.

This is the time I have been called for. This is the season that puts the years of waiting in perspective. God is not slack concerning His promise. Now is the due time for manifestation of eternal promises.

"So, lift up your eyes," I say to myself. "The harvest is plentiful and you are destined to be a labourer. Be found faithful in this season of fulfilment, for the Lord cometh and His reward is with Him."

Come, Lord Jesus!

No time to waste!

2007-09-04T09:32:00.000+01:00

Having lagged behind in the spirit for so long due to religious apathy, many of us are not aware of the danger of missing God altogether. We have, it seems, been sedated by the comfort zone of churchianity and are unaware of how far we have strayed from the life and realities of God.

It breaks my heart! Where are the manifestations of old that transform society and make the name of the Lord great on the lips of the masses? Where are the revivalists that carry God within and declare His truths without fear? Shall we continue in our traditions and expect grace to continue?

Surely my heart is burdened. It has for quite a while. My decision? I shall not give myself rest until I see the righteousness of God break forth in our nation! Oh that the heavens will tear open and the God of glory shine brightly for all to see! There is no time to waste; we need God now - in His fullness. He is the only hope for Great Britain.

Father, teach me to number my days that I may apply my heart to wisdom. Let every moment be lived for You and for the spread of Your kingdom in the land. Amen.

Who is on the Lord's side? (2)

2007-08-31T17:01:00.000+01:00

I went to meet someone at a Christian conference yesterday, and in the course of our meeting I learnt about recent happenings in the States. Well-known ministers separating and another couple fighting in a parking lot! Heart-breaking really, but not entirely surprising.

The line of demarcation is getting clearer in the Church. God's people will have to make a choice between serving God or honouring man. We have become a bunch of idol worshippers with no concept of who the real God of the universe is. Our religious system is so deceptive that we have no idea that God is no longer in the midst.

We can continue to excuse the faults of these Christian celebrities and blame their demise on 'the work of the devil', but the truth of the matter is, we are either on the Lord's side or not. A reformation has begun and we are either flowing with God or resisting Him.

May the Lord touch our hearts and return us to the path of truth.

Who is on the Lord's side?

2007-08-21T17:37:00.001+01:00

Now, things are getting serious in the church world. A great shaking is already on the way, to separate between the true and the false. The Lord is giving a clarion call to His people, summoning those who are ready to identify with His truths completely. He is calling such to stand aside - on His side. All others would be cast far away from His glorious presence.

There can no longer be gray, lukewarm expressions of the faith. We either love Him totally or we do not love Him at all. Only those who love the Lord with all their being will live for Him unreservedly, and be used of Him to shake the nations of the earth. So, are you on the Lord's side? Rise up and be counted!

Lord, I am totally, completely sold out for You! My food is to do Your will and finish Your work!

Here I am, Send Me!

2007-08-20T10:43:00.000+01:00

I can hear the voice of heaven calling out to the earth, to the Church of the Lamb; "Who will go for us? Who will take responsibility for the nation?" I looked back and realised the voice was directed at me. I could not say, "Here I am, send my brother," for the real question was: "Are you available for me to use?"

But... "No buts please. It's either a 'yes' or a 'no'. And for your information, if you do not step up and step out, I will continue seeking but the death of a nation would be required of you..."

No easy challenge, I say. My 'but' stemmed out of my weaknesses, but the Lord uses the weak to defeat the strong; He uses the foolish to confound the wise. God's strength is perfected through the weakness of man, so that all the glory will be directed to Him alone.

So, here I am. My soul says 'yes'. For this reason was I created, to say 'yes' to God's will, whatever the summons.

Father, I surrender to You with all my heart. Indeed, there is a task to be done in the earth. Let there be no more searching as I make myself available to you. I know I can rely on Your grace to carry out Your assignment. In the days of Your power, Your people shall be willing. Amen.

Something is happening in the earth!

2007-08-18T08:10:00.000+01:00

It is one thing to declare a prophecy and another to see its fulfilment. We are, I believe, living in a season when a great number of end time prophecies will find their fulfilment. There is no stopping what God has started. He will finish His sentence upon the earth with speed.

These are no fancy words. A great shift in the face of Christianity is underway, from religion to kingdom life. It is no more a prophetic declaration; the time appointed is manifesting on our calendars! Those who fear God will be in the centre of this shift, while those who are satisfied with the status quo will be oblivious to what is doing. It will affect them, nonetheless, in a ground-shaking way!

I choose to position myself in the centre of God's will, pursuing God's will and seeking His kingdom. Every other thing in life will take care of itself.

Father, thy kingdom come, and thy will be done on earth as it is done in heaven. Amen.

Finding rest

2007-08-06T22:59:00.000+01:00

We drove about 70 miles away from home today to have a break from the daily routines of life. Much needed rest after endless weeks of work and activity. Sometimes, one needs to leave familiar settings to refresh both body and soul. Solitary places, quiet places; these are all good for seasons of refreshing.

How far would you go to find rest? 70 miles? 50 feet up a mountain? The park next door? The secret place? Whatever it may cost, find rest in the Lord your God.

Lord, thank you for times away. May my heart be refreshed in your presence. Amen.

Behold, I make all things new!

2007-08-05T00:36:00.000+01:00

Just came back from a dear sister's 50th birthday celebration. It was glorious indeed! On the way to the party, I heard the Lord say, "Behold I make all things new." I understood what He meant straight away. 50 is now the new 40 in our day and age!

How many more years do you have till you reach 40? What about 50? The truth is, you still have a lot of opportunities to fulfil destiny. 50? No problem! Moses started his mandate at the age of 80! God can still make all things new in your life.

We give up too soon. We become age conscious and rule ourselves out of fruitful service. As long as we have the breath of life in us, purpose can still be pursued and fulfilled. God will give much grace for the race ahead. He will make all things new in your life!

Father, I thank you for grace. Thank you for renewing my strength in the Holy Ghost. Indeed, through you I can run and not be weary and walk without fainting because you are making all things new in my life. Thank you Jesus! Amen.

Keeping it hot!

2007-08-03T19:34:00.000+01:00

It is not enough to be hot; we have to maintain the fire of the Spirit and fan our passion to continuous flame. If care is not taken, the icy world of cares and worry will cool off the once-on-fire heart. Great responsibility it is, to keep ourselves hot in and for God.

Spiritual fire is maintained from the inside out; not from the outside in. Conferences and programmes may have an effect, but if we do not learn how to ignite our inner man in the secret place, abiding in close proximity to the Consuming Fire Himself, we run the risk of being mere cold conference attenders. God needs those who will affect their communities with the fire they carry; not those who get dampened by the community. Destiny is only fulfilled where there is passion - red hot passion.

So, keep it hot and never give in to the surrounding iciness. Sooner or later, one will crumble in total subjection - hopefully the surrounding and not you!

I am on top and not beneath! I am hot and not cold! I abide in Your presence most high God and delight in the words of Your mouth. Set me alight continually for your glory and let the world see Your light in me. Amen.

The lukewarm heart

2007-08-02T18:36:00.000+01:00

Cold, lukewarm, hot. Three possible states of the believer's heart. The Lord prefers hot and detests lukewarm. Cold he would not even touch. The problem with lukewarm is that it can give an initial impression of being good enough but once employed, it proves distasteful. Lukewarm may not be cold, but it should not pretend to be hot.

Which am I? How does heaven rate me? Am I useful in the hands of the Master? Am I hot enough for the Spirit of Truth? My God is a consuming fire and if I will walk with Him, I must learn how to burn. If I am not comfortable with burning, I will end up being burnt!

O God, set me ablaze with your holy fire and zeal! May I burn through and through for your glory and praise. Touch my heart with the coals of your altar. Here I am, O Lord, send me. Amen.

Wait and see!

2007-07-26T14:31:00.000+01:00

Why do the heathen rage and the enemies imagine a vain thing? Circumstances and long-standing problems like to taunt. "Where is your God," they say. "Is He not able to save you?" "I guess He really loves you, eh?"

It can be hard, I agree, but my advice is, 'Wait on the Lord; He is able to save.' Do not accept satan's evil suggestions. After all, the accusing loser said the same taunting words to Jesus when our King was being crucified on the cross. Why fret when victory is yours at the end? Remember that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day!

Just wait and see the awesome deliverance of God in your life!

Floods!

2007-07-24T18:32:00.000+01:00

What force! What devastation! What next?

The nation has been rocked by torrents of rain and rising river levels. Hundreds of homes have been affected; roads made for cars have become passageways for boats. Insurance costs keep soaring; more rain is being forecast...

Incidences like this are never fully anticipated. Some preparation was in place but it just was not adequate. Another £2bn has been promised. So much, too late (at least for the present crisis). We pray comfort for the affected communities.

Now, revival will have the same effect, especially if we are not ready for it. How well will the church cope with a mighty outpouring of righteousness? Will the move of the Spirit be a rain of blessing or judgement? All our hidden dirt will be uncovered by the flood and our weak infrastructures will be shaken by the glory. Now is the time to prepare ourselves. Committing our all after the outpouring will be too much, too late. Selah.

So close, so far?

2007-07-23T00:04:00.000+01:00

Do you feel like you are so close to something you have been waiting for, yet it seems so far away? It seems like you are just about to attain and then there's a bit more stretching to do? My only advice to you, my friend, is this: KEEP ON HOLDING ON! You will certainly reap a harvest if you do not give in to quit-now temptation.

Long time, no blog!

2007-07-21T13:28:00.000+01:00

A dear sister sent me an email recently saying it had been a while since she received one from me. In that same week, someone else wrote to say she missed my articles. Needless to say, they both got me thinking.

There is power in the inspired word. You never know how much your 'few' words is blessing someone. Although it requires effort, the result of changed lives and perpectives is worthwhile. It is important to keep on doing those things that can add value to the lives of others. For me, it means 'Keep on writing'!

What does it mean to you?

Apologies, Lord, for not blogging as I should!

I'm lovin' it!

2007-07-06T17:23:00.000+01:00

No, I've not been eating McDonalds lately. It's the word of God that has been sweet to my taste!

The effects of revelation are tremendous, not just to my spiritual taste buds, but also to my life's purpose and destiny. Everything evolves around the word of God; we all exist because of the word.

What the Holy Spirit expounded in my heart today has blessed the depths of my being. Its effects will last for a very long time. It will also produce much fruit for others to enjoy (presuming I am good soil for the seed of the word!).

Thank you Lord for revealing truth in me. Help me to be a doer of the word and a bearer of much fruit. Amen.

The Word

2007-07-04T11:47:00.000+01:00

All things were created through the application of God's powerful word. He still works through His word today.

I was blessed by the a portion of Scripture today. I felt an immediate impact of the revelation the Spirit shared with me. I will continue to meditate on the word and allow it to take full control of my life and actions. This is the secret of glorious manifestations.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, O Lord.

Help in time of need

2007-07-03T15:23:00.001+01:00

There is help available from our High Priest, the Bishop of our soul. When we come to Him boldly and with expectation, He will not turn us back. Truth is, times of need are sometimes ever-present. So is our Helper - an ever-present Help in needy hours.

So, let's remain hopeful as we come to Him. There is nothing too hard that He cannot deal with. Absolutely nothing.

Grace for the race

2007-07-01T19:32:00.000+01:00

The 1st of July; the beginning of the second half of 2007; an opportunity to review and refire; a time to receive fresh grace for the race.

It is good to look back in order to look forward, but do not look back too long otherwise you will not make progress. God gives grace for moving onwards and not backwards. Refresh your goals and move on to the finish line.

Lord I receive grace for my race. Amen.

Preparation is key

2007-06-26T16:34:00.000+01:00

Everything in our yesterday was preparation for our today. But, we probably were not aware of this truth or its far-reaching significance. If we were, we would have maximised our opportunities for learning and reacted differently to the situations we faced. Now, yesterday is gone and we are left with the fruit of our actions (and inaction).

Before regret and self-pity kicks in, understanding of this same principle can still work for us, because today is preparation for tomorrow. Everything happening to you now, with all the opportunities for learning and gaining wisdom, is preparation for your tomorrow. And you cannot say tomorrow that you were not aware of this principle yesterday!

Welcome every experience as God's way of growing and preparing you. Does not all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose? Everything is for a purpose; with God, nothing is coincidence.

Submit yourself, therefore, unto God and He will lift you up in due course (if you have taken time to prepare)...

This one thing I ask

2007-06-24T10:48:00.000+01:00

Most of the time, we have a long list of requests that we bring before God. We want this and then that, all of them at the same time. But there is a practice that may prove more efficient, the practice of "This one thing I ask."

There is power in prioritising and focusing. If out of the catalogue of requests, God opts to answer just one, which would you prefer it to be? Also, if after this is done, He chooses to grant another, do you have a preference? Not that God cannot do everything all at once; in practice, I think He deals with us step by step, one issue after the other. This is the secret of growth and order.

I have found that sometimes, the Spirit is trying to teach me one principle over a period of time. It has also been valuable to set my heart on what He is doing at the moment and make requests in that context. By doing this, I am certain of an answer that will glorify the Lord.

Remember, if you ask anything according to God's will, He will do it. Therefore, seek to know His will for every moment.

This one thing, O Lord, I ask and the same will I seek.

Precious moments

2007-06-21T19:14:00.000+01:00

We ought to be connected to God 24-7, but there are times within this time when our encounter of Him is unforgettable.

The Lord spoke a word in my heart recently that I am still unpacking. The word was precious, so precious. It can last me the rest of my life! How can I survive without precious moments with the Lord?

No one can.

Precious Love

2007-06-18T09:23:00.000+01:00

Nothing can compare with the love of our Lord. It is never ending, always abiding. Even when we fall, His love lifts us up. He will never give up on us; let us not give up on ourselves.

Nothing can separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus!

Thank God for pepper soup! (2)

2007-06-16T09:05:00.001+01:00

Sometimes life does get hot, very hot. It seems like we are passing through fire. We desperately look for alternative routes but the road sign says 'One way, No U-Turn'. The only way to go is forward. As difficult as this may be, the end of the road is joyous. In fact, the fire of affliction may be what we need to get to our next level.

God is committed to passing through with us. Fire, water, valleys, He is always there. The fire is not the destination. Refinement is. Weeping caused by the fire may endure through the night but the joy of refinement comes in the morning. Your morning will come! Your dawn is breaking! Just keep on going and... remember to thank God for pepper soup!

Lord, I choose to keep on going through all I have to go through in order to fully testify of your awesome power. Thank you for the tough times that is preparing me to help others in their tough times. I see my morning dawn! It will shine brighter and brighter till noonday!

Thank God for pepper soup!

2007-06-15T12:32:00.000+01:00

For the last few days, I have been battling with flu, aches and general tiredness. I know at times like this, it is important to rest. Lying down for a nap is not unspiritual; it may be the necessary cure to exhaustion.

Last night, I had a very unspiritual remedy. The soup I was eating my pounded yam with was very hot! I mean, hot, hot! Halfway into the food, I noticed the top of my head was sweaty. As I touched it with the palm of my hands, it felt like I had just poured water on my head! Surely, the pepper soup was working!

Thank God for chilli pepper!

Just a line

2007-06-12T09:16:00.000+01:00

I received an email from a dear sister this morning. She replied to a previous email I had sent, counselling her on a few issues. In her mail, she said something I had asked her got her thinking and praying. It had helped her to spend some quality time with God and fine-tune her vision for the future.

Curiously, I re-read the email I sent to her (it was below the one she sent) and realised I had asked a simple question in a single line sentence: What do you want to be doing in two to five years time? It was just a line but it had a great impact on her.

It is my passion to see people walk in purpose and destiny. I can spend all my time helping people find their place in God and in life. It strikes me to see the impact of a single line of writing in the life of a precious saint.

Father, use me for your glory; use everything you have given me to help others and to bring praise to your holy name. Amen.

Possibility thinking

2007-06-11T13:57:00.000+01:00

Those who accomplish great things in life train themselves to be possibility thinkers. When everyone around them stand back and think, "That can't be done," they step up and ask, "How can this be done?" Enquiring how a thing can be accomplished already presupposes that it can be done and delivers an array of creative answers to the mind. This is how we must think to see the glory of God.

If we truly believe, we will be possibility thinkers. With God, nothing shall be impossible. Which means, when opportunity for greatness presents itself to us, we would not shrink back in fear, but embrace it and make the most of it. Being a possibility thinker prepares you to walk cooperatively with God, the greatest Possibility Thinker.

Lord, thank You for the privilege to be one with You in Christ. I choose to see things from Your divine persepective of possibility. I have the mind of Christ and can comprehend the things of the Spirit. Surely, You can do exceedingly, abundantly, far above all the positive things I can think or ask. To You be all the glory!

Seeing the glory (3)

2007-06-09T12:04:00.000+01:00

There is a seeing that strengthens believing. This is why Abraham had to lift up his eyes and count the stars. When he "saw" the stars, his mind captured the sight and translated it to his spirit as a preplay of the fulfilment of God's promise.

There is a principle here: if what you are looking at in the physical is creating an undesirable inner picture, change your gaze. Think only on those things that a pure and praiseworthy. What you see is what you get!

I am seeing the glory! I am seeing the word of God come to pass in my life! I am seeing a breakthrough on every side. To God be all the praise!

Seeing the glory (2)

2007-06-08T21:55:00.000+01:00

I am excited about this crucial season! God is going to work wonders in the lives of those who dare to believe Him - believe all the way! This is a season of manifestation - physical, tangible manifestations of the promise of God.

If you believe, you will see the glory of God. Believe, my friend, only believe.

Seeing the glory

2007-06-06T19:03:00.000+01:00

Blessed are those who believe even though they have not yet seen... These are the words of Christ, encouraging us to be people of faith. True faith does not need to see before it believes. True faith is activated by a word from God. If God says it, we have the premise to believe and keep on believing. He never lies. He can never fail.

This said, it is also important to see the fruit of belief. By faith we understand the worlds were created by a word. "Let there be... and there was." It is not enough, therefore, to just believe. After a while, we must see that which we believe. And this is also promised by God. If you believe you will see the glory of God. We are never called to believe in vain.

I believe we are entering a season of seeing; a time for the evidence of God's word. Endless believing without seeing, although not an impossibility, is not desirable. It can make the heart sick. And even when we have to believe even unto death, we can be of good cheer because the One in whom we are believing is the Resurrection and the Life. Anyone who believes in Him, even if he dies, will yet rise again. So, we win on every count!

Get ready to see the glory! God is dispatching His heavenly host to bring about a performance of His promises in our lives! Thank you Father! I am looking forward to seeing that which You promise me in Your word. All the glory to You, O Lord!

God of peace

2007-06-03T23:14:00.000+01:00

The God of heaven is the author of peace. Everything He does is characterised by the virtues of peace. Spiritual wellness, abundance and rest, these all flow from Him. The work of His hands declare His glory and reign. Wherever He rules, there you find peace.

I want the God of peace to be Lord over my life. May His dominion be over all the earth. Then wars will cease and oppression will vanish. God's peace will endure for endless day.

O Lord, let your peace take hold of my life and let it spread all over the earth. Amen.

Peace of God

2007-06-02T08:51:00.000+01:00

It passes all understanding. It keeps the heart and mind intact. It carries one through the rough seasons of life. It is the peace that only God can give.

The secret of peace is to banish anxiety from the heart. And the way to banish anxiety is to be thankful when making requests - and afterwards. Sincere thanks views a matter already taken care of; it acknowledges that God is in control. From this position, peace can reign.

Lord, I set my heart on You and thank You for all Your goodness. Thank you for hearing my prayers and leading me in the way everlasting. I receive Your peace and revel in Your joy. Be praised all the day long. Amen

No shortcuts

2007-05-31T11:25:00.000+01:00

There are no shortcuts to success. No easy routes to manifesting glory. If success and glory are desired destinations, then the necessary process to reaching them, which are sometimes long and tiring, should be welcome without any reservation. Why opt for quick processes that do not lead to glory or last the test of time?

When someone arrives on the scene with the favour and backing of God, it is not immediately obvious how much time and dedication was invested in the presence of God, in obedience, in learning, in growing. God does not perform microwave miracles; we have to take time to learn His principles.

A great destiny awaits anyone who determines to go all the way with God.

Father, the journey has been long, but I will yet keep on going. Around the bends and through the valleys - wherever You lead by Your Spirit. Renew my strength as I wait on You. Help me to walk and not grow weary; run and not grow faint. If I keep on going, I will get to the destination You have ordained for me. Thank You my Father. Thank You forevermore. Amen.

Oaths

2007-05-29T12:20:00.000+01:00

I am sitting here watching the swearing in of the new 'democratically elected' president on Nigeria, President Umaru Yaradua. While the election process was not perfect, the changeover is a reality today, the first time since 1960 when a civilian government will hand over to another civilian government. That in itself is an achievement.

As Yaradua makes his inaugural speech, I hear a lot of promises and vows being made. They sound great. My prayer is that the new government will live up to its profession. Words may come cheep, but it takes courage and character to stand on the professed word and fulfil one's oath.

My words, also, need to be precious and binding. Let your "yes" be yes and your "no" be no, is what the Bible teaches. Lord I receive grace to be more like you. Amen.

For the children

2007-05-28T13:17:00.001+01:00

Early this bank holiday morning, my two children, one after the other, came to join my wife and I in our bed, squashing their way into the duvet. Yesterday, it was the same story. As I watched them, I began to think that no sacrifice is too much to give these growing souls a good foundation and a legacy of all-round success.

There is no point in 'making it' without 'making them.' The children should be one of the main motivations for all our efforts in life. Whoever else will partake of our grace, they must experience it first. What a responsibility. It transcends just putting food on the table and taking them to school. They have a purpose to fulfil in life and we can influence it for good (or worse) every moment of the day. Whoever does not care for them in this way is worse than an infidel. So says the Holy Writ.

Lord, I commit my children to you. Help me to be a good role model for them in every sense of the word. Amen

Committed to learning

2007-05-25T12:33:00.000+01:00

We stop growing when we stop learning. We should all be full-time students of the subject called life, particularly our area of specialty called purpose and destiny. Increased knowledge means increased value. Our value, therefore, cannot exceed our cumulative learning.

Why must I commit myself to learning? Because I have committed myself to purpose. I have committed my life to being a blessing to my generation. I can only bless my world with what I carry on the inside, so the more I add to what I carry, the more I grow in the understanding of what I carry; the more I can affect another's life.

I carry God on the inside. I also have the Holy Spirit, my Teacher. He is always trying to teach me more about what I have. I must, therefore, always be teachable...

I am committed to learning thy precepts, O God!

I belong to Jesus!

2007-05-23T21:55:00.000+01:00

I confess I have become a little bit of a football fan in the last few years. It wasn't my team, Arsenal, playing the Champions League final tonight, but Liverpool, squaring up again AC Milan. Sadly, Liverpool lost...

Now, why post a blog after this unfortunate event? Well, I caught a glimpse of one of the AC Milan players, a Brazillian by the name Kaka (a very good footballer I must add), swinging his shirt in the air and revealing his underwear, which had written on it "I belong to Jesus." This silent witness would have been seen by millions around the world.

Success and excellence gives opportunities for touching more lives than would have been possible otherwise. People are drawn to success and repelled by mediocrity. Anyone diligent in business will stand before kings and not just mere men. This is another way of understanding the words of Christ: "Let your light so shine that men might see and glorify your father in heaven."

Yes Lord! I want my light to shine for your glory! I want to press towards excellence. Help me Lord! Amen.