It's in You

Without sounding too dramatic, I recently experienced what can only be described as any car owner’s nightmare. Not being able to get into your car!  Worst of all in -6⁰c weather, my family was also stuck outside the car. What happened? Turns out the battery of my key fob died out with no warning. Well, it sort of warned me a few days before but I thought it was the cold weather that impacted it and when I got home and tried it again, (after keeping it at room temperature) it worked. Confirming my assumptions. Alas, that assumption and test were built on sandy ground (Matt. 7:24 – 27). Fast forward to the day of, and I’m stuck outside the car with my family. What was meant to be a fun ride through the Christmas lights drive-through took a very cold turn (pun intended).

Is Your Gospel Playlist Building You Up or Distracting You?

While reading my Walk Through the Bible devotion, one of the days spoke about gospel songs that sound great but aren’t scripturally sound. Ever since I read it, I constantly found myself thinking about it whenever I listened to a song. In an attempt to make gospel songs more widespread and fun, there is always the possibility that there will be a rise in worldly gospel songs. Songs that don't align with exactly what the bible says, or when you watch the videos they come across as secular.

Two songs that sprung to mind while thinking of this are God Problems and Omemma, both very popular and fun songs; while writing this I also remembered Big God. As a young person, Omemma and Big God are the sort of boppy songs I craved for growing up. But ever since I read that devotional, I find myself constantly checking these songs. Are they feel-good songs or songs that will edify me spiritually?

The Importance of Understanding

Do you understand?

How often have you heard this question or one of its variants? I have been asked this question in different circumstances for as long as I can remember. In school, after a teacher has dished out some complex equation. At work, when my manager wanted a task carried out and wanted to check that I understood what was expected. Over time, you get to learn that when you act without understanding, more often than not, you will get it wrong because it is through understanding that you know what steps to take, and when you are no longer in alignment with what was asked of you.

Wisdom is the principal thing;

Therefore get wisdom.

And in all your getting, get understanding.

Prov. 4:7 (NKJV), tells us that as important as it is to be considered wise, you must also get understanding. The above examples talk about the role understanding plays in the physical realm, but it is also important in the spiritual realm because it controls the physical. In Dan. 9:2, the Bible says: “….I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years”. In I Chr. 12:32, the Bible tells us of the sons of Issachar who were in leadership roles, because they had the power of understanding, and through it, they could guide the Israelites. In Prov. 3:19 and Prov. 24:3, we see that wisdom and understanding go hand in hand. With wisdom, you can build, but for it to grow and thrive, you need understanding.

To get understanding, you must study, and be observant. As my pastor said, you can stay too long in one spot beyond what God intended because we don’t read, which is critical to get understanding. It is in the place of study that Daniel was able to engage the power of understanding, and once he did, he started to intercede for the Israelites. When you have understanding, it becomes easier for you to be given the mantle of leadership. You will also be able to come up with the right strategies for whatever situation you find yourself in. In Gen. 41:14 – 36, Joseph was able to utilize this in his interpretation of Pharoah’s dream and that earned him the role of Prime Minister in Egypt.

You may be wondering why you are experiencing issues in certain areas of your life. Take a step back to assess them and study, only then will you be able to engage the power of understanding to come up with the strategies required to transform things.

 

P.S. If you would like to listen to my Pastor’s message, you can access it here: Sunday Service - July 14 2024

Who are you #Identity

While getting ready for service, I felt led to listen to Lakewood’s service. During the service, they brought up Pst. Ben Priest to share his testimony on how he found God. As he spoke, one of the things he mentioned was not knowing who he was at a point because of all the things he was into (drugs, etc). I hope you take some time to listen to it, it was such a beautiful testimony. What are the odds that on Mother’s Day, his mom was the one who told him that “Jesus loved him"? This reminds me of Paul’s letter to Timothy in II Tim. 1:5; mothers are so important!

As I listened to his testimony, I got thinking of the scene in Lion’s King, in which Rafiki told Simba that his problem was he didn’t know who he was! Here was Simba, not just a lion but a King, living in the jungle as a meerkat/warthog, maybe a hybrid of them. The moment Simba realized who he was, he stepped into the fullness of his destiny. The King was always in him just waiting for him to know who he was. The same can be said for Adam and Eve, they were already like God but they didn’t know. In Gen. 3:5 (NKJV), the serpent told Eve “…and you will be like God, knowing good and evil”. They wouldn’t have fallen for the temptation and sinned if they knew who they were.

The devil tried the same trick on Jesus, just as he had completed a forty-day fast (there’s a reason the devil waited for Jesus to end his fast). Knowing fully well that Jesus was hungry, he first tried to seduce him with food- then pride and wealth -(Matt. 4:1-11). The result this time was different because Jesus knew who He was and didn’t have to prove it.

32. Jesus said, “At my Father’s direction I have done many good works. For which one are you going to stone me?” 33. They replied, “We’re stoning you not for any good work, but for blasphemy! You, a mere man, claim to be God.” 34. Jesus replied, “It is written in your own Scriptures that God said to certain leaders of the people, ‘I say, you are gods!’ 35. And you know that the Scriptures cannot be altered. So if those people who received God’s message were called ‘gods,’ 36. why do you call it blasphemy when I say, ‘I am the Son of God’? After all, the Father set me apart and sent me into the world. 37. Don’t believe me unless I carry out my Father’s work. 38. But if I do his work, believe in the evidence of the miraculous works I have done, even if you don’t believe me. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father.”

In John 10:32-38 (NLT), when Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, they tried to kill Him because they had forgotten who they were. When you know who you are, you can stand in the face of adversity, and He did just that. He went on to remind them of Ps. 82:6 (NLT) which says “You are gods; you are all children of the Most High”. If only they knew their identity in God.

Today, we see a lot of people who don’t know who they are, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Imagine a baboon telling a lion he’s a baboon. When you don’t know who you are, you become whatever the world makes you think you are. We see it manifesting in the rise in crime, identity crisis, mental health issues, drug addiction, broken homes, and a society that is constantly losing its moral values. The identity crisis didn’t start in the 21^st Century, it started back in the Garden of Eden and the devil has not stopped using that trick to keep people out of the fullness of their destiny in God. The trick that worked for Adam and Eve failed with Jesus because He knew who He was. Scar’s trick on Simba stopped working the moment he knew who he was (thank you Rafiki!). To all parents (adults) out there, you have a duty to share God’s word with (your) children, failure to do so will make them ill-equipped when the devil comes after them (Prov. 22:6).

Do you know who you are? Let me tell you that you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own special person (I Pet. 2:9). If Jesus tarries, the devil will continue attacking people’s identity but we are not ignorant of his devices (II Cor. 2:11). To step into the fullness of your destiny, you must know who you are. The only way to do so is to accept Jesus into your heart and spend time studying His word and knowing Him (Rev. 3:20, II Tim. 2:15). I charge you to be like the Berean Christians who spent time searching God’s word, that’s the only way you can stand (Acts 17:11, Eph. 6:13). Like Rafiki told Simba, look hard and see, “he lives in you”. When you spend time studying God’s word, when the devil comes after you, you’ll remember who you are, that God lives in you and you can put on His armor! As long as God is your Lord and Saviour, you are a child of God and the devil can’t change that.

 

This week, I want you to sing this song every day- I know who I am (Sinach), let it speak to you.

God is asking you to Come Alive (Charity Gayle)

 

P.S. Happy Mother’s Day to all the (would-be) mothers!

P.P.S. Yes, I love the Lion King 😊, so enjoy this clip. A great lesson on the importance of identity.

Photo cred: Rafiki

Pray for your Leaders

A few months ago, I read I Tim. 2:2 and it felt like the first time I was reading it. At times, when we are asked to pray for our leaders, there’s a reluctance because of how badly they’ve failed us. But when my pastor said we should thank God our leaders have not made decisions that have led us to war, I gained a fresh perspective. I Tim. 2:2 (NLT) says: ”Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.“

While reading my Walk through the Bible for April 18, in I Chr. 21, David decided to take a census even when his commander advised him not to. This singular decision led to the death of 70,000 people (I Chr. 21:14). Another example is Jeroboam who caused Israel to sin (I Kings 12:25-33). By his singular decision, the entire nation was turned away from God. Not one of the 18 Kings that came after him was godly. Resulting in their captivity many years later (II Kings 17:21-23). The decision of one man! Reading through the records of the Kings of Israel and Judah, the importance of praying for our leaders is one of the key lessons.

Time and again, we’ve seen people lose their lives or means of livelihood because of a single decision their leaders took. Remember, leaders are not just limited to politics, they extend to all spheres of our lives. Even your line manager is a leader; as you pray for your CEO, pray for your line manager. Why not take today to pray for your leaders? Why? So you may live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. You don’t have to like them, but I recommend that you pray for them!

 

P.S. Back in January, I was led to write about this same topic. If God is bringing it up again, He must really want us to pray for our leaders!

 Photo cred: Daily Grace, Today's Godly Reminder

The Kingdom in You

 

We are now in the second quarter of 2024. How has it been so far? Has the year started the way you hoped? If not, don’t take your eyes off God. He will still come through for you, have faith, and ask Him for help (Jer. 1:12, Heb.4:16). In my church, the theme for April is “Unleash your potential”, and the anchor text is Phil. 4:13. May your potential be unleashed in Jesus' name.

The beauty of the Bible is that we can never finish reading it. Unlike novels or historical books that give no new knowledge, each time we read the Bible, there is always some new knowledge or revelation. During our Thanksgiving service, my pastor read the parable of the mustard seed, Mark 4:30 – 32 (NLT):

³⁰ Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? ³¹ It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, ³² but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.”

As it was read, it got me thinking, about how the Kingdom of God can be illustrated as a mustard seed. I even googled a mustard seed as I wanted to visualize the illustration. The answer came to me as my pastor went on to quote Luke 17:20-21 (NKJV); in this verse, Jesus tells us that the Kingdom of God is within each one of us. We are all walking kingdoms!

Now the parable of the mustard seed made sense to me. From my detailed research (I googled it lol), the mustard seed plant can grow up to 15 feet high. When you see a seed that’s ~2mm in size, would you expect it to have that sort of potential in it? That is what is in each of us. A tiny seed that can grow into a large plant. But for it to grow into that large plant, it needs to have the right conditions. So it is with the Kingdom in each of us. For the Kingdom to grow, we have to cultivate it in the right conditions. Here are some pointers for the right conditions: 

• Live a life of constant fellowship with God. God desires a relationship with us, not a transaction (John 15:4-6).
• Stay yoked to God, and submit to His will and supremacy (Matt. 11:28 – 30, Prov. 19:21).
• Live a life of faith (Heb. 11:6).

We also have a duty, like the mustard seed that grows long branches, to spread the branches of God’s Kingdom by winning souls. God’s desire is for His Kingdom to grow, that’s why in Mark 16:15 (NLT), we are told to “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone”. One of my favorite verses that stuck with me when I learned I couldn’t command people to live a life of holiness is I Cor. 3:6-7. In this verse, Paul reminds us of our role as children of God, to either plant or water the seed; in some cases, we may even play both roles but remember that it is God who gives the increase. We are asked to share, it is the Holy Spirit that convicts (John 16:8).

Within each of us is a mustard seed, which we have to cultivate for it to grow into the mighty plant it should be, and as it grows, we also need to share it with the world. Nobody lights a lamp to hide it under a bucket, so shine your light that men may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven (Matt. 5:14 – 16). That is the charge for each of us. You have a Kingdom in you, and I pray that God gives you the grace to unleash your potential so that others can be drawn into its shade and nest. You are the light of the world because God’s Kingdom is within you!

P.S & image cred: The mustard seed

Write Your Vision

A few days ago, I was listening to a message from Pst. Joel Osteen titled Write Your Vision. His message made me reflect on the times I had written down a vision without knowing how I would achieve it. One thing I recall him saying was that one way you know your vision is from God when you have no clue how to go about it.

In July 2020, I had a vision to embark on an MBA. In a random conversation with my colleague at the time, Sikemi, and as I think about it, I have no idea how the topic of my MBA came up, she reminded me of Hab. 2:2-3. Thank God I listened! I didn’t have the funds and applied for student loans to the point that I remember one emailing me to say I should stop applying. As Joel Osteen said, when God gives you a vision He gives you the provision. Jan. 2022, I started the MBA, and all through, God provided the funds for my MBA without any student loan! Imagine if I hadn’t written it down, I would have given up after a while. But because I did, when my faith was re-ignited thanks to a message that told me to do it afraid (wrote a post about it here), I was able to read it and run with it.

As we are wont to do at the start of a year, we write down our goals. In Jan. 2022, before I started my MBA program, I wrote down that I’d finish my MBA with a distinction. There were times when it seemed like it wouldn’t happen, but because I had obeyed Hab. 2:2 and written down the vision, I could read it as I ran. In March 2023, my results came out and I finished with a distinction! Glory to God. No matter how impossible your vision may seem, I charge you to write it down! “God will do amazing things if you simply write the vision”- Joel Osteen. That way, you can refer back to it even when it seems to be moving farther away.

During service, my pastor reminded me of Ps. 18:29 (NKJV), a lovely verse that stuck with me from the moment I read it: “For by You I can run against a troop, by my God I can leap over a wall”. Another verse you can hold to heart is Zech. 4:7 (NKJV): Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”. Insert your name in place of Zerubbabel’s. God is faithful to His word, find a word and stand on it, till your vision becomes a reality (Is. 55:11, I Cor. 1:9 AMPC)! As Hab. 2:3 assures us, it will come to pass.

Photo cred: khm_usa

Sage Onomsky’s Musings- The Edge of Breakthrough

One often gets something to reflect on when reading the Bible or a new revelation. So I thought I’d start sharing these thoughts with you in a series I call Sage Onomsky’s musings (cue the trumpets 😊). If you don’t know, I read a devotional titled “Walk through the bible” which does exactly that on a daily basis.

I’m currently in the book of Numbers, take it from me, it isn’t an easy book to read at first. The focus for Day 45 was Numbers 13 – 16, starting with when Moses sent the twelve spies to explore the land of Canaan (Num. 13:1 – 3). We all know the report ten of them came back with (Num. 13:25-29), and because of ten people, a nation of over 600,000 people failed at the edge of their breakthrough.

“Now turn around, and don’t go on toward the land where the Amalekites and Canaanites live. Tomorrow you must set out for the wilderness in the direction of the Red Sea.” Numbers 14:25 NLT

The Israelites were at the edge of the promised land (Num. 13), but because of their unbelief, they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years (Num. 14:3, 11 & 34). Is your unbelief stopping you from entering the Promised Land? Take an audit of yourself to find out; if it is, ask God for forgiveness. Remember, to please God, you must live by faith (Heb. 11:6). That is the charge! God's word is reliable, trust in Him (Num. 23:19).

Generational Patterns

 Welcome to February! 2024 started yesterday and we’re already 36 days in. It’s not too late to commit your year to God and hand over the wheels to Him. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan out your year, but that you should plan it out and submit it to Him (Prov. 6:6-11, Ps. 37:5).

If you have been reading my blog for the last couple of months, you’d always hear me refer to a devotional called Walk Through the Bible. I highly recommend it as it does exactly that, walk you through the bible every day of the year. The devotional for Jan. 18, which focused on Exodus 1 & 2, made me reflect on the power of words and generational patterns.

In Ex. 2, we are introduced to Moses who Num. 12:3 referred to as the meekest man in the bible. But just 12 verses in, Moses committed murder because he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew man (Ex. 2:12). My mind immediately recalled Gen. 49 (from the Jan. 17^th devotional), when Jacob delivered his last words (blessings) to his sons. In Gen. 49:5-7 (NLT), Jacob said of Simeon and Levi:

“Simeon and Levi are two of a kind; their weapons are instruments of violence. May I never join in their meetings; may I never be a party to their plans. For in their anger they murdered men, and they crippled oxen just for sport. A curse on their anger, for it is fierce; a curse on their wrath, for it is cruel. I will scatter them among the descendants of Jacob; I will disperse them throughout Israel.”

Many years later, we see the generational pattern of anger leading to murder continue in Moses (a Levite). As you get more mature in Christ, one thing you hear about is the need to watch out for generational patterns. Not because we aren’t new creatures but because wisdom is profitable and understanding is important (Eccl. 10:10, Prov. 4:7). They say knowing the problem is half the solution, this extends to negative generational patterns. Fortunately, as a child of God, we can break such patterns, as Moses did.

The following Sunday (Jan. 21) I joined service online at Lakewood Church and the message was titled Generational Breakthroughs. God works in mysterious ways. In the sermon, Pst. Osteen lets us know that there are certain patterns we inherit that can only be broken by God’s power. The best part is that when God ends it, He ends it permanently (Ex. 14:13, John 8:36). Your time is coming, generational breakthroughs are coming. Keep praying and trusting in God, no matter how impossible it may seem. “If you keep the right attitude, God will use what was meant to stop you to move you forward”. In this month, the charge to you is to keep God first place, keep the right attitude, and watch God show out in your life. If you do so, you’ll see Eze. 18:2-3 manifest in your life. Don’t forget, you are a chosen generation (1 Pet. 2:9), you don't have to eat the sour grapes.

 

Declaration: Generational breakthroughs are coming!

 

P.S. Click here to listen to Generational Breakthroughs by Joel Osteen

Pray for those in Authority

 ^1. ”I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. ^2. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.“ 1 Timothy 2:1-2 NLT

A few Sundays back, I recall my pastor talking about how we should be thankful our leaders haven’t plunged us into war because of their decision-making. It made me reflect on the numerous times we were asked to pray for our leaders and I was reluctant to do so. Especially the political leaders, considering the endemic corruption in our society.

Fast forward to a few weeks later, while reading one of the verses for the RCCG 50-day fast, I found the answer in Verse 2 and it was quite the revelation for me. So the charge going into this new week is “simple”: wherever you are, pray for your leaders. Why? That you may live a peaceful and quiet life. This prayer is not just restricted to political leaders but those in positions of leadership in other spheres of life. If you are looking for a guide on what to pray about for your leader, why not try the prayer points from Day 10 of RCCG's 50-day fast?

P.S. A lot of churches are currently conducting a fast, if you can, I urge you to partake in it. I attend RCCG and we’re in the middle of a 50-day fast. You can access the prayer points here.

Photo cred: YouVersion

 

Musings for the New Year

Happy New Year guys! Like the blink of an eye, 2023 is over, and a new year beckons. I learned something new while reading my Walk Through the Bible series of the day (specifically Gen. 3). It is true what they say, you can never finish reading the bible. When I got to Gen. 3:22 (NLT), my mind did a double-take! Like hold on, two trees were named! Did I read that right?! I had to go back to the reading for January 1 (Gen. 1 & 2) to see how I missed it. Lo and behold, there it was: the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Gen. 2:9 NLT).

Moving into Gen. 3, we learn how man fell: they ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 3:6, NLT). But what stood out to me most that made me realize two trees were named? The answer lies in Gen. 3:22 (NLT):

Then the Lord God said, “Look, the human beings have become like us, knowing both good and evil. What if they reach out, take fruit from the tree of life, and eat it? Then they will live forever!”

It got me thinking about the importance of the decisions we make. If Adam and Eve had eaten from the Tree of Life, they would have been immortal. Instead, they decided to eat from the tree they were warned not to eat from (Gen.2:16-17, NLT). And here we are today, because of that decision.

In the year 2024, we will be faced with many situations in life and we will face the result of every decision we make. Make sure you make the right decision, regardless of the situation you are facing. The Holy Spirit is there to guide you, and you can also ask God for help to make the right decisions (John 16:13, Heb. 4:16). In the prophecy for 2024, Daddy G.O. said “the wind is blowing” and because of it, there will be many opportunities. It is my prayer for you that you will make the right decisions that will enable you to grab these opportunities in Jesus' name.

 

P.S. If you are yet to give your life to Christ, why not make the best decision by accepting Him as your Lord and Savior (Rom. 10:9-10)? He is waiting for you (Rev. 3:20) 

Image cred: New Year