It's ok to cry

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.

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Looking forward

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.

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Atlanta, great so far!

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!

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A week in Atlanta!

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!

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I'm desperate for YOU!

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.

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Up for a fight?

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?

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New Blog Resolutions

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.

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