There’s not a mountain too tall
There’s not a problem too small
That Jesus can’t resolve
In time He’ll get involved
Our God He cares about us

So wait on the Lord
Wait on the Lord
Wait on the Lord
And He’ll renew your strength

There’s not a light too dark
A journey too long to embark
Jesus will see you through
In time He’ll make you new
Our God He cares about us

‘Cause He’s ordering, He’s ordering your strength
You’ve got to wait, you’ve got to wait

• Wait on the Lord – Brandon Wilson

This is what my fiancé said to me, “This has taught me patience.”

The background story?

It was a simple renovation to a small apartment God had blessed my fiancé and I with. Or so it seemed. Our initial plan was to change all the windows and also give all the ceilings in the house a facelift. We wanted to change the ceiling from the original-styled plywood to a Plaster of Paris styled (P.O.P) ceiling.

I once heard someone say that construction work is never within budget. Can that usher over there hand that someone a microphone to repeat it?!!

I am convinced that two things never ever stay within a budget; a wedding and construction project budget. Lol.

The renovation project started small, and the plan was for it to stay small. However, before I could finish sipping my non-alcoholic sparkling wine, the budget for the project grew like a disrespectful forehead pimple that suddenly appears gets bigger when you have a hot date in a few days. No matter how much we sulked, the cost stayed and grew.

The good news is that the ceiling designs we chose for all the rooms including our small hallway were absolutely beautiful designs. But there was bad news as well. By the time the work was done, the ceiling in our hallway like my fiance put it, looked like “a monstrosity”.

Considering how small the hallway was, it looked like the Hulk in Bruce Banner’s clothes after transformation. It looked like “too much” in the small space.

The inflated balloon of our expectation for that hallway design popped so hard it was probably heard in the “multiverse” lol (I need to lay off this Marvel comic imagery). The other rooms had turned out perfectly. We expected that this last part (the hallway) of the project would be the final crowning glory, especially because it was the entry point into the house. But alas! the monstrosity stole our laughter.

I am not throwing my fiancé (now husband) under the bus but he entered into complaint mode. We started exploring all the options to remedy “the fault”. We considered removing the parts of the design from the ceiling that made it look ostentatious. “What do we do?” was the question. We were scared that we would be laughed at. We saw what looked like our dreams of a beautifully decorated place go down the drain. But like the pimple I spoke about, this too we could not remove. So we took comfort in the fact that we would own our mistake and brave it out as hardcore-we-don’t-give-a-hoot-what-you-think gang. lol. But we actually cared. Don’t buy our fake bravado.

Eventually, we just thought to ourselves, “you know what? perhaps the aesthetic was disrupted by the ghastly yellow and black wallpaper on one side of the wall and the wine-painted color on the other part of the walls” – features we intended to change but constituted the final stage of the entire project. So we decided to execute “Plan Mitigate”. We consulted with each other and some interior design blogging sites. We finally decided to go all white for the walls to match the white of the ceiling.

Good news! It turned out fantastic in the end. Once the ceiling lights were fixed, the distracting wallpaper and paint scraped off, and a new rich coat of all white paint applied, Voila! The true beauty of the ceiling popped. It stood there without all the distracting factors and it was a work of art. No more the monstrosity we had initially judged it to be.

Then my fiancé said, “I am so glad we waited. Imagine what we would have lost had we decided too quickly and interfered with the design. THIS HAS TAUGHT ME TO BE PATIENT.”

We learned a big lesson that day.

Anyone can be in such a place in life. In the small hallways of our lives, our issues, problems, projects, dreams and like matters may like the ceiling appear monstrous. They seem to overshadow the entirety of our existence. It can be a person who doesn’t behave the way we want them to. Or a season of pain, hurt, disappointment, and all the craziness of this life. A situation that looks ghastly at the beginning. Often, it becomes all we see.  Yet, the beauty of that situation or person may be obstructed by all the other things happening around us. Unfortunately, we may judge too early. Act too fast. We sometimes act based on the fear of the opinion of others; scared to be laughed at. Sometimes it simply looks bad from certain angles from which we look at it.

But! If you would give it time. Wait. Wait till the end. The diamond in the rough will shine ever brightly. The value of patience is indeed great. Our perspective is oft times the main issue and not what we are facing. We need to consider our perspective.

It is not easy to be patient. Especially in our present world where everything and everyone is on a fast track race. Our perspectives are so limited. We can only see from where we stand. Unfortunately, where we stand is not always perfect. We can make wrong or hurried choices if we do not learn how to wait. The right attitude matters. The right motive matters. The right perspective also matters.

With our humble ailing project, a little bit of patience saved us from a mistake. We managed to avoid a greater destruction. Yet often, the issues of our lives are much more complicated than this ceiling problem. They are the stuff that can make or break us. The stuff that stretch us to our breaking point. And we often want to resort to our own ways to resolve them.

When Abraham moved too quickly, relying on his own ways ahead of God’s time, he made a choice that has had generational impact. He bore a son out of works. He bore a son out of his impatience instead of waiting in faith.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land

Psalm 37:7-9

God wants us to wait. At the place of indecision, wait on Him. Why should we wait on God? First of all, he is not in a hurry. His timing is right. Secondly, he has the right perspective. He decides and designs all things from a position of perfection and so we are assured that we cannot get it wrong with him. We cannot lose when we trust wholly and completely in Him.

We have a perfect example; a perfect man who did not rush. He patiently endured having foresight of the end from the beginning. He already had a clear view of the grand design and the finishing of it. Therefore, He was unperturbed by the agitations happening all around Him. He trusted in His Father in Heaven – wholly and completely. He was unmoved by false accusations or praises. He did not judge by external appearances nor loose sight of what He knew to be the perfect end for Him. That man is Jesus Christ. He was never a step out of time. Every Christian is called to be conformed to His image; to focus on Him and imitate Him.

When He followed God faithfully until the very end, not seeking His own way, He finally declared “It is Finished”. Now His name is exalted above every name, having fulfilled the will of God for Him on the cross.

The post WAit Until IT IS FINISHED first appeared on .

Searched all over, couldn’t find nobody

I looked high and low still couldn’t find nobody

Nobody greater than You

YouTube has some great content (NB: This is definitely not a YouTube ad.). Despite the good stuff about it, the “annoyingness” lies with the ads that usually interrupt a great video you may be watching. You would usually find your finger itching to click the “skip ad” button after the five-second countdown of torture.

Earlier today, the ad that interrupted my viewing was one regarding Masterclass lessons with experts of the world, varying a wide range of fields. (I feel like I meet those ads on every social media platform). Usually, I cannot wait to move on to my prior viewing, especially, when I get the advert where the expert makes animal noises. Today, however, I fell into the ad trap. This guy was pretty different. And you’d understand why soon. His presentation was fascinating. Five seconds and more didn’t seem so bad if it required listening to him.

He was an astronaut. Yes. An astronaut. See! You would listen to an astronaut would you not? He said something about math (which I personally do not care for) that kept me watching. He captured my thinking wheels when he stated that once a person enters outer space, and from that view sees earth in the span of the entire solar system, one truly wonders if “other life” exists.

The whole presentation was so good, I was almost convinced that I had missed my true career path. I wanted to be an astronaut. lol. It’s too late for me though. Plus, my math skills will not do. Anyway, let us zero in on the “other life” statement. The visuals he portrayed were great. I contemplated the scene that may be the universe and well my imagination sold me short honestly. I am convinced however that outer space is spectacular.

I moved to his conclusion that the wonder of the universe creates the question of whether another life exists. Indeed it would. And fortunately, I have an answer to his query. However, I am not sure if what I propose would be acceptable to him. I am convinced He will require proofs which I am much obliged to provide. But once again, I have doubts about his willingness to accept my proposal. I presuppose that the “other life” he seeks are the green beings with big heads, weird bodies, superhuman abilities, lack of clothing and, finger peeing abilities (sorry, the only description I could rely on was ET. The millennials will not understand). If you haven’t figured out what I mean yet – probably because you went to PRESEC lol, – “the other life” he was alluding to are aliens from outer space or extra-terrestrial beings as some may call them.

Exhibit provided below (This sample has clothes on for viewer sensibilities);

I have never ever understood why they are considered green though. Must be something in the water. lol. I blame ET.

On a more serious note, when we encounter the wonder that is this universe without even venturing into outer space; when I see the vast, endless, beautiful blue sea, the bright bright sun, the majestic mountains, the moon in its white loveliness (although a large chunk of gray rock when you’re standing on it), green forests, desert sands, starless nights, and even my shepherd dog; Jurgen, I conclude that “other life” exists. But do you know what else I conclude? That this other life is divine. He is not green. He is not of this world. He is not living on any known or unknown planet. He is not physical. He is God.

Some people in the world can deny and reject God’s existence but believe in green creatures on another planet. That is beyond me. Some lifetimes are dedicated to searching for them rather than God. In his letter to the Romans, Paul said that although the splendor of the world points out to mankind that God exists, mankind instead makes figurines of wood and stone and proffers reverence to them. And so it is even in this case. Rather than search for divinity; rather than see divinity, man sees aliens; man searches for aliens. It is quite a pity.

So, after all this thought, I moved on to completing my prior viewing before I got visited by the ad. I wish I could tell the astronaut what I think but I guess he is the expert. I have already encountered the best of any “other life” that exists or could ever exist. God Himself. The Father of all lights. Master of the universe. And I am seriously not searching or wondering for anything else. I would still love to be an astronaut though. Just for the extra-terrestrial view. Well in case that doesn’t happen here, I have still got the heavenly view to look forward to. How satisfying.

Awaken.

Happy Fathers Day to every wonderful father reading this.

The post Looking for Aliens? first appeared on .

Sweet mother

I will never forget you

Does time heal wounds?

Perhaps, the belief of the simple.

In the passage of time, the poignant the loss.

The memories, slowly fade away. Flitting in and out of mind’s space.

Time is mercilessly creating a wedge. Twisting scenes out of shape.

I wish to feel close to precious memories. Yet, I am dragged ahead and away.

Stand still a minute!

Time, just for a second, stand still. Let me be close to reminiscence.

Time, slow down. Time, stop!

Do not place your hand of decay on these memories. Do not touch the freshness of thoughts.

I would rather go back and relive the moments. Laughter. Tears. Love. Cheers.

I fruitlessly push back, yet you urge ahead. Unfazed.

I am powerless.

Does time heal wounds?

How? Will time give replacement? Does time have that propensity?

Time is not a friend. It is ever moving forward. Not a second wasted on the mourner, victor, or loser.

Time’s constant mantra. What next?

How can time heal wounds? Can it create new memories of ones lost? Or rather, does it attempt wiping the slate of remembrance? Will this heal or numb?

Time is not on our side. For what we request, takes no effect. Time will not look back.

Never backward. Ever forward.

Time is right on track. Reluctant to undo events of the past. They are to it of no concern.

Does time heal wounds?

Only time will tell. Yet this time, time cannot be trusted.

Have I lost to time? Perhaps it so may seem.

Time can have its course for now. With it I wrestle not.

I will live beyond time! At the time when time is naught.

I will win in the end; when in timeless eternity my mum I meet again.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO EVERY BEAUTIFUL WOMAN READING THIS. xoxo

This is a “timeless” anthem for mothers in Africa. It never gets old. We love our mamas!

The post Time Heals? Does It Really? first appeared on .

Calling me, calling me.

Voices in that far off somewhere calling me
One of these days I’ll off and fly, then I can answer here am I
I hear voices, up in glory, calling me.

The voices.

In my head. Turning my mind around. Tying my stomach in knots. Twirling my focus in circles. Confusing the thoughts of my heart oh…

The voices.

To which do I listen? In which do I believe? Can I ignore the sound of…

The voices?

The ones within? The ones without? Inescapable at every turn. Asleep or awake I cannot deny…

The voices.

A confusing labyrinth of highs and lows. Harsh and mellow. All of sorts. Intertwined in a confusing web of truths and lies and half-truths. Confronted with all..

The voices.

How do I decipher the good from the bad, when there are no clear-cut boundaries in? …

The voices.

An amphetamine to feed the addiction of my indecisiveness; attempting a mental breakdown; further making incoherent the ever-increasing din of…

The voices.

Letter after letter. Word upon word. Consonants and vowels. Note after note. La ti do re mi fa so without melody are…

The voices.

I can’t seem to keep them out. The better won’t sink in. The worse find the hidden crevices into the subconscious. I wish I didn’t have to deal with..

The voices.

But the world is no mute. Each creature its voice. Though some with no sound but still a voice is found.

So rather than hide from…

The voices.

I will sit still. Alone. And listen. I will listen until I hear above the noises. The silent one. He speaks not like anyone. He doesn’t shout. He doesn’t crowd. He whispers in the innermost part of my heart. He will run a fine toothed comb through the messy tresses of my mind and take out the kinks until the strands hang fine. My consciousness at peace. So…

The voices.

I cannot keep at bay. Try as I may. I cannot “unhear” the lies. So with truth I fight by and by. I thank God for…

The voices.

They pushed me toward The Voice of the True One. My Jesus…

Your voice, in spirit I sense. Your whispering provides a fence. The world shall scream till hoarse. But far above the throng. Speak Lord. This heart is Yours.

Awaken.

This one is a very old one I discovered. Made me think of Heaven and being with Jesus. Pay close attention to the words. When we are assured of where we are destined to be. We embrace the voice that calls us home to glory. Enjoy.

I want to hear from you. Please comment, share, like and subscribe to spirit awakenings. Be the first to hear and share!

The post Voices (When pressed on all sides, from all the noise around me, from whence shall I find calm?) first appeared on .

As I surveyed the wondrous cross… sorry, I mean, as I surveyed the tall list of 2021 to-dos presented by this session of reflection, I wondered.

1. Whether it is worth the trouble;
2. Whether I have what it takes and;
3. My motivation in light of weaknesses and past failures.

I looked at little me and considered if my talents and gifts were big enough. Would it not be much easier to go with the flow? Do the usual? Just like everybody else? It would take some sacrifices. It would take an extra mile. An extra minute on my knees. Less time with my TV. Fewer moments with the “commandos” of my dramatic dreams. More time seeking the nectar for my beehive. Taking intentional, purposeful steps to work out my gifting.

I love this parable of Jesus’. It addresses a dicey issue in the walk of Mr. Christian. It turns out “Mr. Christian” is me. Should I align with the feminists and say, “Miss Christian”?

Jesus answered my questions 2021 years ago before I got the chance to ask them. How can you not love someone like this?

This is how it goes. (Jesus beats Shakespeare by far. Or, am I biased?)

A Master was preparing to embark on a journey. In his preparation, three persons (lead actors of this movie) were handed the possessions of their Master. They each received talents. To each one, a measure was given. Five, two, and one. Actually, I have wondered about the unequal allocations. Why? I have some theories.

1. Random allocation. This reason is far unlikely especially considering the outcomes of the assignments made.
2. The Master very likely knew the extent of their abilities. Consider this, the one who manages his servants knows their potential. This Master knew his servant’s strengths; He knew their weaknesses; He knew their zeal.

The bottom line was the fact that each person was given a unique gift. Unique, in differing quantities, I say. Agree or disagree?

I believe that to each ability, he gave a talent. That was the Master’s wisdom and his money. So, technically, he gives as he wills. I can’t take him to court on that one.

You can call what he gave to them an investment, seed money, capital, whatever. He entrusted a piece of his business to each. They were no more than servants.

By doing this, the Master trusted these servants to be good custodians of his gifts. In each of them, He placed an expectation. His expectation was that they equally cared about his business. It was an opportunity to share in his estate by giving them shares. And as it is required of any fiduciary, a profit was in order.

After a long journey, the Master returned. The next thing on the bill? Accounts. The three servants lined-up, ready, to do just that (well, I think they did or, perhaps, they were seated). 

The first presented a profit of double what he had. The second, double of what he had. The “double-double” song by Uche is dedicated to these two servants.

The third servant gave an excuse and a cheeky answer. Now, this third servant just blows my mind. So I really want to dissect his psychology.

First of all, he was given one talent. Therefore, we can conclude that he received the least responsibility. Secondly, remember that the Master, in wisdom, accorded to him per his potential. Yet, the servant dug a hole and buried the talent. Bruh! Like I said, mind-blowing.

I discovered a treasure in an article written by Stephen Bainbridge, titled “The Parable of the Talents.” In his article, he states that it is was actually considered the right thing in Jewish custom to bury one’s money. Burying valuables was considered the best safe-keeping method from potential thieves. A thief would have to labor to steal your money in your absence. Lol.

Anyway, the Master wasn’t impressed with the servant. Think about it. If he wanted to keep his money safe, he could have buried it himself! Instead, he chose to entrust it to his servants. Why? To work and return a profit.

Jews believed in maintaining the present value of their estate yet, the Master wanted to add value. A revolutionary idea; an increase of his domain. And this grand revolutionary plan involved his servants. Wow, what an honor! However, he was sorely disappointed by the one he gave the least responsibility.

The servant chose the effortless, easiest, and laziest action. He was ungrateful. He was obviously dissatisfied with the talent he was given. Mind you, the value of a talent is equivalent to 35 kg of silver (see picture above). Scholars value it to be about $1,000 to $30,000 in present value terms. The Master did not scrape from the bottom of his barrel but gave a significant part of his wealth. However, the servant didn’t consider it worthwhile to expend any profitable effort. He probably asked himself, “What the heck am I going to do with this when he has so much?”

I am convinced that if it was the servant’s personal property, he would have put it in a bank. I know I won’t put my cash under a pillow when I could get a little profit from it in a bank. Would you? You would even risk it with Menzgold (Not intended to revive wounds from monies lost in the Menzgold brouhaha).

The one-talent-servant belittled the gift he was given. He missed the revelation that “one” in his hand was equivalent to the five in the hands of another. He had only to treasure, do his best with it, and be rewarded for his faithfulness. Instead, he saw his generous master as an ungrateful cheat. How sad.

This servant demonstrates our attitude toward our “talents” sometimes. We lose sight of the value of what the “Master” has entrusted with us. We look at other works, compare them to what we do and, belittle ours. But, comparing ourselves amongst ourselves definitely isn’t wise (2 Corinthians 10:12). Someone may be on a worldwide stage. A known name on every tongue yet, miss out on the profit. You may never be known, but you will hit the mark the master expects of you. Your faithfulness with what you have been given is all that counts. Whether with five to make five more or one to make one more. Like the last servant, we sometimes make excuses to cover up the real problem. We don’t cherish what the Master has entrusted us to do. So we find ways to blame him instead of renewing our minds.

But in remaining so narrow-minded, we miss out just like the third servant on the bigger vision he had for those servants. To give them an estate they did not deserve. The Luke version of the story states that the master gave the faithful servants townships to rule. He rewarded them exceedingly, simply, for doing their jobs. The unfaithful servant paid dearly for his disdain. He lost even the little he was given and got thrown out of the Master’s house. A double loss. (Is the double-double song applicable here, or am I kicking a fallen man?).

Now, back to the misgivings, I had of myself. Yes, Steph!

It is worth all the trouble and effort; I have what it takes; The Master has ensured supply. He already knows my weaknesses and failures yet, has given me the tasks. I better get to work.

Dear one. The person or persons telling you that you do not have what it takes are false. That includes yourself. If you tell yourself that you don’t really have anything worthwhile to do for the Master, then resign from that lie and employ yourself in the truth.

This I have learned, Your one, two, or five is significant in the kingdom business. Don’t be found doing a penny less.

The excommunicated servant is proof of that.

Awaken.

The post What You Have Is What It Takes. Use it! first appeared on .

Yesterday the sky was bright and clear

I could see the sun and I could hear this song.

Faith flowed like a river free and deep.

Grace was not so hard to be believed.

But that was yesterday.

What was close enough to touch now seems a world away.

So what about this day?

Seasons. Beautiful. Unique. A Phenomenon.

Somewhere, someone wakes to a frigid January morning. Thousands of miles away, another wakes to the dry gusts of the East harmattan winds.

In no time, snow melts to beautiful spring flowers. Winds flee in the wake of refreshing rain.

Whether the seasons be four or two, we cannot deny presence or effect.

The hint of spring’s early blooms and the sweet smell from first drizzle of rain ignites hope in hearts dreary and scorched by the aftertaste of the previous season. The vivid colors of summer’s flowers which fall to call forth the bite of winter’s winds. The sign of beautiful beginnings, sad ends and vice versa.

Humanity has learned how to enjoy and endure each season…

The tan from summer’s sun; The grays of July’s rains; The fall leaves from autumn’s tall trees; tell the character of each season.

We weather the seasons…

Some days in cold, others in warmth. Sometimes bone dry, other times sopping wet. We fight not the seasons, for come they shall. We protest not the seasons, for in the flow of earth’s movement they demonstrate right balance.

Each season has its story…

Ask yourself. What story has this season for me? What message presents the changing times? Man seeks understanding of seasons and times. For it impacts the existence of those who have had its experience. Cold reminisces warmth. Heat reminisces coolness. 

Each season demands its actions. Every age unique in its requests…

Shall I learn to build a hearth when it is cold? Must I plant a tree in time against the blast of summer’s sun? What expected action?

To build or destroy. To plant or harvest. To sleep or wake. Long nights or days. To weep or laugh. In hunger or satisfaction. With many or alone. In plenty or want. No actions should be misplaced.

Wisdom is key to fully embrace the changing seasons…

So I weep not when I should laugh. So I reap not when I should sow. So I sleep not when I should wake. So I retreat not when I should advance.

…Wisdom for the seasons…

Whence shall I find this wisdom? From whom shall I hear it? Who knows the past, present and future? Who has such hindsight and foresight? Who knows today from yesterday and tomorrow from today?

…Only God can see that far away… 

He sees the future’s present past, the past’s future present, the present’s past future. He alone sees the past’s present future, the future’s past present and the present’s future past. Don’t try to wrap your head around it.  Only God can see that far away.

Though I gree the seasons carry me, I fault to depend on the flow of phenomena. Why respond to effect over cause? Why not lean on designer than design? From thence comes wisdom.

My arms are open wide to the seasons…

Today, a gentle breeze on my face as I stare at the setting sun. Tomorrow, an unmerciful iceberg sinking my boat at dead of night.

Yet, I have learned that with precious wisdom telling the wise whispers, the seasons will carry than destroy. Like a sturdy old oak of experience; an immovable mountain of strength. As ever present seas weather the weathers above ruin.

…Wisdom is key.

So, what say you, season? What secrets do you hold? What unexpected, unpredicted action? What habitual ways am I familiar?

I have the key to remain serene. Wiser with passing years. Enjoying the every encounter. Taking the long strides of time, till last season is mine.

I welcome the adventure.

Authors Note

Happy New Year Dear Reader.

Thank you for taking this tentative journey with me this year. For spending time to enjoy with me this treasure I have. This journey started very daunting, yet has ended with boldness from the Lord. I hope you have been blessed.

The craziness of year 2020 is beyond words. The losses, we mourn. The victories, we also celebrate. In all things we rejoice in the Lord.

Indeed we enter this new season with much confidence. Not in ourselves. But in Christ Jesus who is our wisdom.

We embrace the new adventure together.

The post Embrace Yours. Whatever the Ever-changing Season May Be. (Do you have the wisdom for your time?) first appeared on .

God is God and I am not.

I can only see a part of the picture He’s painting.

God is God and I am man.

So I’ll never understand it all.

For Only God is God.

The world would so quickly blame God for the things wrong with it.

The world would blame God for the actions of man rather than man for the actions of man.

The world would rather deny God credit for good yet quickly credit man for it.

The world would blame God for His supposed inaction and blame Him for His actions too.

The world doesn’t want to be controlled by God but accuses His lack of interference.

The world would rather blame God for the sickness in the body of a man rather than the man in charge of his own body.

The world would rather blame God for the ones born “imperfect” and ignore those born “perfect”. But wait a minute. It is man who looks on the outside and determines who is perfect. God looks at the heart and searches for perfection there.

The world would blame God for the nimble athlete paralyzed by the car accident rather than the careless driver.

The world would rather blame God for the sad plight of the innocent abused little girl rather than the evil inclinations of the pedophile who heartlessly abused her.

The world would blame God for hunger and starvation when man selfishly stores up wealth and watches his neighbor starve.

The world would blame God for inequality when man bends another under the whip of dictatorship and tyranny.

History has never seen an atomic bomb drop from the heavens nor biological weapons sprout from the ground.

Why is God blamed for the chaos in the world when the active participant is man?
Why is God blamed for the hurricanes and floods when man blows billows of C₂O into the atmosphere like chimneys from the 18th century; melting the ice caps in Antarctica like butter in a hot pan?
Why is God blamed for the wars and deaths of millions when men pick up the guns to fight and put refugees to flight.
Why do we blame God for the unfairness in the world when we are the ones doing it to each other?

Isn’t that unfair to God?

We would rather God be blamed and the world absolved from every wrong, yet, the world would take credit and God discredit for every right. If God is to blame for all the wrongs in the world then surely every good is also to His credit. Or?

Why would we deny God His existence because of how wicked man is?

How about the time He said do not steal? How about the time He said do not kill? How about the time He said do not covet? How about the time He said love your neighbor? How about the time He died for you so that you could be a different, better you? For that is what a good God that exists would do. He would tell you the right thing to do. He would show you the right thing to do. He will make Himself an example to you. Literally. So that our world can be perfect as we want it to be.

But the world would rather not listen. The world would rather not see. The world would rather not do it. The world would rather not believe. Instead it would choose to go after its own way. Steal. kill. Covet and Hate.

In the wake of indulgence in the carnality of true nature, and the fruits of carnal ways have yielded in the chaos that is our world, the most calculated worst of it all is executed. The world credits all the wrongs to God’s bank and blames Him for the negative returns. Wow, we love to play the blame game don’t we? But like Ola Rotimi stated, “The ‘gods’ are not to blame.”

Do you believe that our innate man is capable of goodness? Do you sincerely believe in a default state of good in man? Do you believe that the voice deep inside of man wants to unselfishly put someone else first rather than “myself”? “You” instead of “me”? Hahahahaha. Hilarious. Do you absolutely believe that the nature of man is love? Then why can’t man just be man? Why is it so hard to be ourselves then?

Maybe, finding an alien from outer space is a crucial turning point for humanity. For the alien will objectively examine the issues from an external point of view and let us see the folly of our flawed logic.

I always say to the God critics.
If God be a fickle of my imagination then I would make that imagination my reality for without it where is the good in me?

Would I rather deny God and place my hopes and faith in a man I so clearly see is flawed in too many ways?  Full of injustice?

You may say that the devil I know is better than the angel I do not know. Thank God I don’t have to believe that. Because man says so. I would say the angel I know is better than the devil I know. For I know this God. I know that He is good and the reason for any goodness in me; He is the reason we glimpse any iota of good in this fallen world. The only source of light in an ever darkening world. The only source of hope in an existence yoked with despondence.

I’ve trusted and tested and tried Him. I’m done playing the blame game and surrendered.

Please, leave me be in my “fool’s paradise” for I would rather have the foolishness of God than the wisdom of earth’s wise.

Awaken.

What convinces you that God exists or not? Share in the comment section below.

I want to hear from you. Please comment, share, like and subscribe to spirit awakenings. Be the first to hear and share!

The post Let Us Put the Blame on God. Shall We? first appeared on .

My hope is built on nothing less but Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood, support me in the whelming flood; When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found; In Him, my righteousness, alone. Faultless to stand before the throne.

On Christ the sold rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand.

Before I begin this post, I would want to put forward that none of the words I speak are intended to condemn anyone, it is definitely not to vilify the subject of my write-up or others who may be in a position such as his. It is to encourage soldiers in the faith battle. A poke at the enemy because he has to know we are not shaken by his machinations. And a morale boost for those at the precipice of doubt. Hang in there, please.

Now to the issue at hand. I have recently discovered the proliferate news of Christians falling away from the Faith. This is even observable among those considered to be active Christians in the eyes of the public. It may possibly be that due to the age of technology and social media, such news are easy to find or easy to hype. Perhaps, faith falling believers are losing the battle to doubt and unbelief. It is however worthy to note that the many Christians still holding on to Faith hardly makes the headlines, which leaves me wondering about the news. That would be another subject for another bright day. The news I mean.

Anyway, the bible tells us in 1 Timothy 4 that in the last days, many shall fall away from the faith, chasing after the false doctrines of demons (paraphrased). I am inclined therefore, to believe that the fulfillment of scripture is the phenomena playing out before our eyes. And Jesus tells us in Matthew 24 that it is only going to get worse as lawlessness increases and love for Him grows cold.

A quite recent and sad fall away is bestselling author Joshua Harris. If the name sounds familiar to you, it’s probably because you may have read one of his very popular bestselling books. “I Kissed Dating Goodbye”. I recall getting a copy of this book in the university but unfortunately, I never went beyond chapter one (1). (Very typical of me and books in the university. Aside my textbooks of course) Anyway, now I wish I did make time to complete the book because, he has completely renounced that book and the doctrines espoused in it, leaving my curiosity at its peak!

Joshua, as the media puts it, has kissed Christianity goodbye. Definitely not a bestseller if you ask me. Although saddening, it is not surprising as well. Why do I say this? Joshua was a baaaad guy in school……. lol. Just kidding. Gotchu. Didn’t I?

In the wake of the news on his departure from the Faith, I have encountered various articles and thoughts on his actions. Some have lauded it (mostly unbelievers) and others condemned it (often time Christians). There are also those trying to answer questions like I am doing right now.

What sucked about the whole situation was how the people of the world rejoiced and wrote articles to celebrate his falling away. And for many such breakaways similar to Joshua, the world happily welcomes such into their fold. This is expected even though it sucks.

In a battle between two very opposing sides, a win over of a defector is a glorious celebration. Christians are joyful when a soul is won from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of Christ and in the same reaction, the world is too. The world feels a justification in the win of a Christian who has lost faith. Technically, we don’t consider a loss, what was never ours, but let me not get ahead of myself.

For the Kingdom of Christ, anyone who falls away from the faith presents no surprise to the brethren. Although, the world finds it an extraordinary feat, the Faith community takes it in stride through prayer and the word. We look to Jesus Christ, our Head, to find answers. In prayer, we do our part to rein in that person to whom Faith is seemingly lost.

Christ always gives answers through His trusted word and I found the answer in this.

Jesus had with Him twelve disciples. The famous Peter, James and John, among others, and the infamous Judas Iscariot. Now mind you, by this scenario I am about to expatiate, I am in no way making Joshua Harris a Judas character nor am I condemning him to the fate of Judas. No way. I am rather drawing your attention to an expected reality of which the world is surprised, but the Christian should not. Certain Christians get surprised or shocked into unbelief when such things happen. But let us be of the mind not to question our faith based on seeming ardent believers who fall away.

In fact, in some years from now, if you find that I have fallen from the faith (which by God’s grace I hope never to) it should in no way cause you to question whom you have believed in. I recall hearing Dag Heward Mills (Founder of Light House Chapel International Church) say in one of his sermons, a statement that stuck with me. He said (paraphrased) that if he falls sick and even dies from it, it will not stop him from believing that God is a healer. It goes with the bible text in Job 13:15(a) that says, though He slay me, yet still shall I trust Him. Our faith should be  uncompromising in the face of all circumstances. We should not practice conditional faith. It is expedient to build a rock solid faith. That solid rock to build on is Jesus Christ.

Sand building believers find their faith collapsing in the storm of world events, personal tragedy, worldly desires, false doctrines etc. For some, the next point of call becomes the denouncement of the Lord Jesus Christ and the existence of His Father. Unfortunately, this happens out of overlooking the rock solid foundation freely given in Jesus Christ.

So please follow me with this illustration as we try to place a right block on a right foundation. Now, back to Jesus Christ and His disciples. 

Judas (is carrot as we say in jest) was a disciple of Jesus. Note that by disciple, he was not just a part of the throng that followed Jesus. He was neither a part of the seventy extended discipleship team Jesus sent out. Nor was he even just a random self appointed follower of Jesus. Judas was a member of the Twelve. Carefully, handpicked by Jesus. He walked with Jesus throughout His three-year  tenure of ministry. He went where Jesus went. He heard what Jesus taught. He ate and drank with Jesus. He slept where Jesus slept. He had an important role in the team as a money keeper. The minister of finance if I might say. He was friends with the other eleven disciples. They had fellowship together with Jesus. All of them.

But Judas kissed Jesus goodbye in the Garden (lool. sorry, I couldn’t resist the pun). He invented the metaphor “kiss of death” when he offered his Rabbi to be murdered for crimes He did not commit at a bribe of 30 silver pieces. Contrary to what everyone may have seen of Judas ardently following Jesus, his secret foundation on which he was building was money. Someone whom he had called Master and Teacher for three years, he gave up for some coins.

Look. There are so many people who are seemingly walking with Jesus but have hearts far away from Him. They may seem to be doing the works, singing the songs, writing the books, going to church, hanging out with other Christians but have hearts far way from Him. Judas literally followed Jesus everywhere He went but figuratively followed his selfish desires.

When Judas betrayed Jesus, it did not in anyway undermine Jesus or the work He came to do. On the contrary, Jesus had the upper hand all along. He did what He came to do on earth and that was to save mankind from eternal damnation through his death on the cross. Even if Judas chose to exclude himself or not, Jesus’ work for which He was sent by the Father got done. For as the one (1) chose to perish, remember the other eleven (11) chose to live. Jesus was not surprised at Judas’ antics. Christ has always had the victory and the upper hand.

The world feels justified in its standpoint of faithlessness simply because a Christian has lost faith. But, the thought that a believer falling away from the Faith undermines it is flawed thinking. The Gospel of  Jesus Christ is built on no other foundation but Himself. The firm foundation. Unshakable and immovable in its purpose to save the souls of men. A win for the world  it may seemingly be but not in the greater scheme of things.  Who knows? The apostate may never have been Jesus’ in the first place. Why? Jesus said that anyone given Him by the Father, He shall never lose. And I tend to believe what Jesus says. Check out John 6:39.

Are we apathetic to the fallen one, not at all.  For even as that soul remains on this earth he or she may very well belong to the Lord. He alone knows those that are His. What we do is pray. 

The truth of the Gospel of the Kingdom is singular and unshakable in spite of those who truly believe and those who do not. The very gates of hell cannot contend with it. Why? Hell cannot contend in a war already decided. Jesus won. If you must know.

What are my sentiments toward Joshua because he really got be putting my thinking cap on. I pray he would search for truth. When we lose our way, it doesn’t spell doom for us. When we have doubts, it doesn’t align us to condemnation. Rather, it begs us to really find that which is true. Re-affirm faith. It begs us to dig even deeper.

Someone else failed Jesus too. Peter did. He swore and cursed himself in denial of any relation to Jesus. Three solid confident times, he said in no same words, “Who the heck is Jesus. I have no idea who He is. I have not even seen Him before.” But the difference between denier (who even swore to Jesus he would not deny him) and  betrayer, was repentance. Peter made a choice not to entirely give up on whom he first believed, leading him to become the legendary Peter we know. The story was not so for Judas. He only saw his mistake. His way out; a noose by no other hand but his own.

The reality is that the Lord knows those that are His. I don’t. No one knows but He who searches the heart. No one can be forced to believe in Him as Truth. Joshua cannot be forced, I cannot be forced. You cannot be forced. Nobody can be forced. We are only graciously chosen to choose Him.

As you read this, if you feel a nudge in your heart to surrender to this truth, at this moment, forget about the extraneous factors of who does or does not believe in Him. Focus on this.

Jesus is the only Way, the real Truth and the real Life. Absolutely, no one comes into reconciliation and eternal fellowship with the Father except by believing in Him and His finished works on the cross. He loves & calls you.

That is the Unshakable Foundational Truth of the FAITH.

The post I Kissed Christianity Goodbye…(When encumbered with doubts in the Faith, is it aurevoir to the Savior) first appeared on .

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength
But sometimes I wonder what He can do for me
No great success to show, no glory of my own
Yet in my weakness He is there to let me know

His strength is perfect when our strength is gone
He’ll carry us when we can’t carry on
Raised in His power, the weak becomes strong
His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect

My brothers and I nicknamed my dad, Papa Lee, last week among the thousand other nicknames he has lol. This particular one was given him because of his recent fascination with a biography series about the life of Bruce Lee. In case you are a millennial without any clue who Bruce is, this nineties girl will enlighten you in a short Wikipedia history. I actually did not know any of this information until I researched for this article. Lol.

Bruce Lee is a well known name in Hollywood’s hall of fame. For many old school fans of martial arts movies, he is considered the most influential martial artist of all time; developing his own branch of martial arts known as Jeet Kune Do. He was a celebrated movie actor, director, producer, philosopher among other achievements. After a quick read about him, you will like me, conclude that he led a very illustrious life on earth. A quick search online will give you more than enough content to turn this article into a boring or maybe interesting history of a multi talented Chinese/Hong Kong fighter but thankfully, that is not the reason why I’m writing or the reason you are reading this. Lol. So we move.

My brothers and I wondered why my dad was so taken by this particular biography. My dad explained that the character of Bruce was fascinating to him. He described Bruce as an extremely intelligent, focused, talented, arrogant, perfectionist and workaholic who was absolutely brilliant at what he did. I took the time to sit in with my dad in one episode one evening and guess what? It was the last episode. Coincidence or the Holy Spirit? This article is proof of which it is.

In the episode, Bruce blacked out while shooting a movie called, “Enter the Dragon” (name gave me the creeps honestly). I discovered that he had experienced several similar blackouts in previous episodes and these blackouts elongated progressively. According to the doctors in the film, Bruce had by his enthusiasm for martial arts and movie making, stretched his body beyond limit, even to the point where he had no iota of fat in his body. The doctors considered him a walking man of steel (step aside Superman, you’ve got nothing on Bruce). After the diagnosis, following his recent blackout, a recommendation was made to him which we will discuss later in the write-up.

Anyway, right before I fell asleep, the plot of the film reached its climax. Bruce Lee was preparing to act His last movie, “Game of Death” (which also gave me the creeps). I would love to tell you I was awake to catch all the juicy details but I went to La La Land. Later in the night, when I woke and consulted with my dad, I was told death beat Bruce at the game. I was shocked. Bruce was a virile 32 year old with a body of steel before I dozed off. Now he was dead. (well technically he died in 1973). Did he die from an accident? Was he assassinated? Was he poisoned? What caused his death?

No rest.

One crucial thing the doctor told Bruce was that he needed to rest. He needed to allow his body, mind and emotions to take a break, to be treated and to heal. Rest. Although a prescription drug is considered the trigger of the brain edema which killed him, doctors believed it was largely due to a slow unseen breakdown of a system pushed far beyond its limit. He died from lack of rest. And so at a ripe young age of 32, with a final blackout, Bruce expired. Tragic. Avoidable. Yet inevitable.

With this super long introduction, it would be nice to talk about the advantages of taking a long nice vacation to rest on an island just to sip cool coconuts and bask in warm beautiful sunsets. Which is good. But there is a better offer of rest I want to discuss which you can enjoy from the comfort or discomfort of your home (hopefully it is the former).

There are many Bruce Lee Christians. We have embodied religion like steel but we are internally breaking down. Often unbeknownst to us. Unfortunately, the religious machine we rely on will suddenly shutdown because it runs mercilessly without halt. We are doing everything and anything for God. We are playing “the Game of Death- Religion Version.” The spiritual fainting spells and blackouts are warning us that something is off but we have refused to accept what the Doctor is offering. Rest. We are running around feeling superficially strong when our spiritual bodies are clearly protesting the futility of our ways.

On the outside we seem fine. We are clearly doing church. Present in the front seat every Sunday (excluding those reserved for the deacons and elders) even on weekdays and holidays. Singing in the choir. Looking very spiritual. Speaking mighty tongues and lifting holy hands in worship. Fasting 21 days and binding every demon in the milky way. Yet in spite of all these activities, we feel dry. We are sick emotionally, physically and cognitively. We are missing divine realities. We feel at the same time unfulfilled and overwhelmed with life. We cannot seem to grasp the spark of the Faith we so profess. We are aware of how hard we have been trying to live right. We are paying tithe without fail. Eating holy communion. Constantly asking forgiveness for our wrongs. Obeying commandments and fleeing from sin even faster than Joseph run from Potiphar’s tempting wife. Yet still, the spark of our Faith is elusive. We seem strong to the eyes of the world and sometimes even to ourselves. But the yoke of religion is terribly heavy and difficult to pull. Like Bruce, we may suddenly close our eyes and never wake.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matt. 11:28-30

There are many of us Christians that need to revisit this offer from Jesus Christ. Why? Because we have become so lost in our own burdensome works. If you are not a Believer, this offer is also for you.

Hebrews 4 says in verses 9-11, There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their [disobedient Israel’s] example of disobedience.

Why act “the Game of Death”? When we can take the recommended rest presented freely. This is an eternal vacation we don’t pay a single dime for. We receive a rest so perfect and true. The kind that is not centered on a place but a being. The kind that permeates spirit, soul and body. The kind that secures our existence here, now and forever. Rest in Jesus Christ.

He clearly tells us union with Him will present rest for our souls. So if you are missing rest, if your yoke is heavy and burden thick and weighty, then I prescribe a re-examination of whether you are yoked to Christ. He promises freedom, ease and lightness.

How do we enter this rest? Simply by believing in Him as Savior and Lord of our lives. How do we fully benefit? Understanding and accepting to the fullest extent all of what Christ has done for us. I cannot explain how crucial this gift is. It is the best reality of my entire life. I recommend it to you.

You know, Bruce Lee never accepted the doctor’s recommendation. He was convinced he could keep on in the same direction he had previously been. He did not allow the doctors to treat him. He did not allow his friends and family to convince him. He decided to rest after shooting the Game of Death. But death did the shooting instead. He never got to take the rest avidly advocated by those who cared for him and his health. Some might say he is at rest now. Well, that is to be discovered when this life is no more.

Jesus Christ loves us dearly. It is His desire to give us 100% rest in every nook and cranny of our lives. Time and time again, He proffers this precious gift to anyone who would take a second to listen to Him and another second to accept.

What did the Psalmist say in verse 7 & 8 of chapter 95 and the writer in Hebrews 4? “Today when you hear His voice, do not harden your heart.”

Awaken.

I discovered this song as I wrote this and have had it on repeat. Come to an end of your strength and hook up with the perfect strength. Grace upon grace.

The post Are You Tired? Burned out on religion? first appeared on .

A sweet couple at time’s beginning were once deceived to believe that who they were and what they had wasn’t good enough. It led to a poor choice. A fruit from a forbidden tree, eaten by generations to come. Do not be deceived also; You are the best according to the Father. You have what is best for your generation according to God’s purpose.

-fearfully and wonderfully made.

A good friend of mine once shared in a fellowship meeting that a possible reason for Adam and Eve’s fall was because they doubted God’s love for them. They believed that He was holding back something good from them.

The serpent hissed “…God knows that on the day you eat from [the tree] your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil”

The woman must have thought, “If He loves me, why will He not let me have that fruit. It looks good. And that creature told me it will make me like Him. Why did He make me inferior? Why am I not like Him? Why can’t I know good from evil? Why am I imperfect?”

Does her thought pattern sound familiar? Just like us, right? Do we believe God is holding back something special from us? That man or woman, that job, that marriage, that pleasure, that promotion, that “amazing” lifestyle, that sweet spot in the limelight? 

Most importantly, what is our perspective of God’s plan for our lives? Do we believe that it is not big enough? Or is it too big?  Do we undermine ourselves? Do we devalue our identity and worth in the Body of Christ and in the world? Has anyone or anything led you to believe in the lie Adam and Eve were fed in the Garden? “I am not good enough.” “What I have is not good enough.”

The truth of the matter is, you actually have all of Jesus Christ living inside you, if you have accepted Him as Savior. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the power of Him who has called us. 2 Peter 1:3-4 (paraphrased).

After God was done with creation, He saw that everything He had made was good. Yet, Adam and Eve were deceived into finding a flaw that did not exist. They were led to want more than God willed them to. They were left sorrier for their choice.

Don’t be confused! I’m not restricting your requests to God. That is okay! I am not saying that you shouldn’t ask of your Father everything that you need or even want. He desires that you do that. But in asking Him, is it absolutely your will or His will that should be done. Recognize the will of God in the things you desire. Adam and Eve were aware of the will of God and still brushed it to the side. 

What am I am saying then? Do not desire “fruit” you are not meant to eat. Adam and Eve found that the weight of knowing good and evil was heavy. 

After their fatal choice, instead of more they had less. Their body became mortal, corrupted and in need of saving. Mankind pays the price now for their choice.  The sad thing is, we are not learning from our first parents. We have “the grass is greener over there” syndrome. “The forbidden fruit tastes sweeter” syndrome.

We have no contentment in Christ, and the reason is that we do not trust God! Think about it! We don’t trust God. We are constantly listening to the evil whispering and lies of the serpent. Lies about our inadequacies, our failures and what we do not have. When we should rather listen to and trust in God’s words. Words which highlight our victories, gifting, special identity and all the abundance we have in Christ Jesus. We often forget that God has a plan for our lives and the best one there can be.

Can you begin to imagine the generations we can affect by a choice stemming from our dissatisfaction, inferiority and distrust instead of faith? 

But thanks be to God we have the Spirit who raised Christ from the dead to enable us triumph. 

I tell you friends, underestimating God’s plan for you no matter how you may view it for another not meant for you would leave you with a weight you will struggle to carry and a costly consequence on generations.

Our Father says in Jeremiah 29:11, “The plans I have for you, you cannot even begin to imagine. Plans to make you prosper. Plans that will not harm you. Rather, plans to give you a future and a hope.” (paraphrased)

If there is someone who believed how much God looooved Him, Someone who never ever underestimated God’s plan for His life, it is Christ.

Please understand that your TRUST in God’s Plan and RIGHT JUDGEMENT according to GOD’S WILL shall cause you to understand that whatever you are created to do is Important and Worthy.

As always, I want to hear from you. Comment down below. Subscribe to my newsletter so you would be first to receive a word.

The post God’s Plan. More or Less? first appeared on .