When the dark cloud closes in
HAVE FAITH
When all around you speaks a loss not a win
HAVE FAITH
When your tears ever flow before his throne
HAVE FAITH
When you feel abandoned like he's left you on your own
HAVE FAITH
When questions abound more than answers
HAVE FAITH
When others are celebrating and you're still waiting it out
HAVE FAITH
When all he tells you is what you can't do
HAVE FAITH
....
Remember the grave and the Resurrection?
SO JUST HAVE FAITH.
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Friday, 4 December 2009
Giving Thanks:
For God has said: 'I will never, never, fail you or forsake you'
Hebrews 13:5
Heavenly father I thank you for this promise, for being a God who would never fail me. For being a God I can rely on. I thank you Daddy because your word says that even in my unfaithfulness you remain faithful. I thank you for loving me with an unconditional love, david said he would 'Hope in your unfailing love'.
Father Today I hope in your unfailing love, it is because you love me that I would not be consumed, it because you love me that you will supply all my needs according to your riches in glory. it is because you love me that anything I ask in your name you will do for me in accordance with your will for my life.
daddy thank you for having a plan for my life. a plan that is of good and not evil. thank you for my end is greater than my beginning! yes, Lord thank you for the interest you have in my well being.
I thank you Lord for who you are, for it is because of who you are that I am victorious and I have hope for more victories.
Accept my heartfelt thanks in Jesus name.
Amen.
What are YOU thankful for?
Hebrews 13:5
Heavenly father I thank you for this promise, for being a God who would never fail me. For being a God I can rely on. I thank you Daddy because your word says that even in my unfaithfulness you remain faithful. I thank you for loving me with an unconditional love, david said he would 'Hope in your unfailing love'.
Father Today I hope in your unfailing love, it is because you love me that I would not be consumed, it because you love me that you will supply all my needs according to your riches in glory. it is because you love me that anything I ask in your name you will do for me in accordance with your will for my life.
daddy thank you for having a plan for my life. a plan that is of good and not evil. thank you for my end is greater than my beginning! yes, Lord thank you for the interest you have in my well being.
I thank you Lord for who you are, for it is because of who you are that I am victorious and I have hope for more victories.
Accept my heartfelt thanks in Jesus name.
Amen.
What are YOU thankful for?
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
The Story of a Screwdriver and my chair
Ahem... once upon a time, :)
My room in school has so many things 'wrong', first its smaller compared to others, the carpet is a dark blue so it does not take long before it is screaming for a vacuum cleaner. that's my room, I love it though.
My Chair is a different story, this is the chair I sit on when I am working on my reading table. the problem with this wonderful chair is there is a particular screw that keeps coming undone every other day. The downside is that when this screw comes undone, a two arm-chair becomes a one arm chair. Now this used to upset me especially because I did not have a screw driver, so whenever the screw began to come undone I would worry, panic be totally peeved. One of my flat mates even laughed at me one day when she saw my now one-arm chair, then something happened and this is the something that God spoke to me about that I want to remember.
One day the same flat mate that laughed at me gave me a screw-driver, I needed it after-all. Before I would use a knife to get the screw back in its place, but now I had a screwdriver the perfect tool. would you believe that even though I have used the screw driver the screw still comes undone every now again. But the difference is when it comes undone I do not worry, I just reach out for the screw driver and screw it back in!!
Even though You and I have accepted Jesus into our lives, we still have off days, maybe I am the only one who has those kind of days when I wonder if I am saved at all. But even when we fall short, come undone just like the screw driver, You and I do not need to worry or panic, all we need do is go to Jesus and he will get us back on the right track, set us straight if you will.
I heard God say in my heart a second ago as i was working on my chair agin with the screw driver. He said:
"whenever the screw of this chair comes undone, you do not panic because you have the screw driver to help fix it, so why do you panic when you come undone when you have Jesus."
Jesus can fix whatever 'screw' has come undone in my life, and in yours.
His peace my Love
ChiChi
My room in school has so many things 'wrong', first its smaller compared to others, the carpet is a dark blue so it does not take long before it is screaming for a vacuum cleaner. that's my room, I love it though.
My Chair is a different story, this is the chair I sit on when I am working on my reading table. the problem with this wonderful chair is there is a particular screw that keeps coming undone every other day. The downside is that when this screw comes undone, a two arm-chair becomes a one arm chair. Now this used to upset me especially because I did not have a screw driver, so whenever the screw began to come undone I would worry, panic be totally peeved. One of my flat mates even laughed at me one day when she saw my now one-arm chair, then something happened and this is the something that God spoke to me about that I want to remember.
One day the same flat mate that laughed at me gave me a screw-driver, I needed it after-all. Before I would use a knife to get the screw back in its place, but now I had a screwdriver the perfect tool. would you believe that even though I have used the screw driver the screw still comes undone every now again. But the difference is when it comes undone I do not worry, I just reach out for the screw driver and screw it back in!!
Even though You and I have accepted Jesus into our lives, we still have off days, maybe I am the only one who has those kind of days when I wonder if I am saved at all. But even when we fall short, come undone just like the screw driver, You and I do not need to worry or panic, all we need do is go to Jesus and he will get us back on the right track, set us straight if you will.
I heard God say in my heart a second ago as i was working on my chair agin with the screw driver. He said:
"whenever the screw of this chair comes undone, you do not panic because you have the screw driver to help fix it, so why do you panic when you come undone when you have Jesus."
Jesus can fix whatever 'screw' has come undone in my life, and in yours.
His peace my Love
ChiChi
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
The Truth 2
When you look at your life
Comparing it to No one's
You will find that
You're truly blest:
You're satisfied.
Comparing it to No one's
You will find that
You're truly blest:
You're satisfied.
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
The Evolution
Swimming against the current;
Loving when I should Despise,
Giving when I should Withhold
Being there when I should be absent
Forgiving even before being asked to.
Embracing Integrity even when it would cost me.
Swimming against the current of my Humanness
Swimming against the current of my Unrefined Self
This is what it means to grow,
when one swims against the current that wrestles with their Soul.
T.M (C)
Loving when I should Despise,
Giving when I should Withhold
Being there when I should be absent
Forgiving even before being asked to.
Embracing Integrity even when it would cost me.
Swimming against the current of my Humanness
Swimming against the current of my Unrefined Self
This is what it means to grow,
when one swims against the current that wrestles with their Soul.
T.M (C)
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
The Truth
I pondered on a thought that lead to this personal realization, to my truth:
I do not pursue a relationship with God because I am perfect,
I seek Him because I am in need of Perfecting.
After all those who are well have no need for the Physician.
Matt9:12
I do not pursue a relationship with God because I am perfect,
I seek Him because I am in need of Perfecting.
After all those who are well have no need for the Physician.
Matt9:12
Monday, 12 October 2009
Selah
"So don't be afraid little flock. For it gives your Father
Luke 12:32
You won't be hungry for much longer...
GREAT HAPPINESSto give you the Kingdom."
Luke 12:32
You won't be hungry for much longer...
Friday, 9 October 2009
Love Is in the Little Things TOO:
Apostle Paul said this: "If I gave everything I have to poor people, and if I were burned alive for preaching the Gospel but didn't love others it would be of no value whatever." 1 cor 13:3
A lot of us are familiar with the grand gestures of LOVE, but what of the little things, a smile, a listening ear... the little things do matter.
I read the message below and I was truly inspired and blest, I HOPE you are too:
Your Kindness Quotient
by Max Lucado
How kind are you? What is your kindness quotient? When was the last time you did something kind for someone in your family—e.g., got a blanket, cleaned off the table, prepared the coffee—without being asked?
Think about your school or workplace. Which person is the most overlooked or avoided? A shy student? A grumpy employee? Maybe he doesn’t speak the language. Maybe she doesn’t fit in. Are you kind to this person?
Kind hearts are quietly kind. They let the car cut into traffic and the young mom with three kids move up in the checkout line. They pick up the neighbor’s trash can that rolled into the street. And they are especially kind at church. They understand that perhaps the neediest person they’ll meet all week is the one standing in the foyer or sitting on the row behind them in worship. Paul writes: “When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers” (Gal. 6:10).
And, here is a challenge—what about your enemies? With the boss who fired you or the wife who left you. Suppose you surprised them with kindness? Not easy? No, it’s not. But mercy is the deepest gesture of kindness. Paul equates the two. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph. 4:32 NKJV). Jesus said:
Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you.… If you love only the people who love you, what praise should you get? … [L]ove your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without hoping to get anything back. Then you will have a great reward, and you will be children of the Most High God, because he is kind even to people who are ungrateful and full of sin. Show mercy, just as your Father shows mercy. (Luke 6:27–28, 32, 35–36)
Kindness at home. Kindness in public. Kindness at church and kindness with your enemies. Pretty well covers the gamut, don’t you think? Almost. Someone else needs your kindness. Who could that be? You.
Since he is so kind to us, can’t we be a little kinder to ourselves? Oh, but you don’t know me, Max. You don’t know my faults and my thoughts. You don’t know the gripes I grumble and the complaints I mumble. No, I don’t, but he does. He knows everything about you, yet he doesn’t hold back his kindness toward you. Has he, knowing all your secrets, retracted one promise or reclaimed one gift?
No, he is kind to you. Why don’t you be kind to yourself? He forgives your faults. Why don’t you do the same? He thinks tomorrow is worth living. Why don’t you agree? He believes in you enough to call you his ambassador, his follower, even his child. Why not take his cue and believe in yourself?
Be kind to yourself. God thinks you’re worth his kindness. And he’s a good judge of character.
A lot of us are familiar with the grand gestures of LOVE, but what of the little things, a smile, a listening ear... the little things do matter.
I read the message below and I was truly inspired and blest, I HOPE you are too:
Your Kindness Quotient
by Max Lucado
How kind are you? What is your kindness quotient? When was the last time you did something kind for someone in your family—e.g., got a blanket, cleaned off the table, prepared the coffee—without being asked?
Think about your school or workplace. Which person is the most overlooked or avoided? A shy student? A grumpy employee? Maybe he doesn’t speak the language. Maybe she doesn’t fit in. Are you kind to this person?
Kind hearts are quietly kind. They let the car cut into traffic and the young mom with three kids move up in the checkout line. They pick up the neighbor’s trash can that rolled into the street. And they are especially kind at church. They understand that perhaps the neediest person they’ll meet all week is the one standing in the foyer or sitting on the row behind them in worship. Paul writes: “When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers” (Gal. 6:10).
And, here is a challenge—what about your enemies? With the boss who fired you or the wife who left you. Suppose you surprised them with kindness? Not easy? No, it’s not. But mercy is the deepest gesture of kindness. Paul equates the two. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph. 4:32 NKJV). Jesus said:
Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you.… If you love only the people who love you, what praise should you get? … [L]ove your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without hoping to get anything back. Then you will have a great reward, and you will be children of the Most High God, because he is kind even to people who are ungrateful and full of sin. Show mercy, just as your Father shows mercy. (Luke 6:27–28, 32, 35–36)
Kindness at home. Kindness in public. Kindness at church and kindness with your enemies. Pretty well covers the gamut, don’t you think? Almost. Someone else needs your kindness. Who could that be? You.
Since he is so kind to us, can’t we be a little kinder to ourselves? Oh, but you don’t know me, Max. You don’t know my faults and my thoughts. You don’t know the gripes I grumble and the complaints I mumble. No, I don’t, but he does. He knows everything about you, yet he doesn’t hold back his kindness toward you. Has he, knowing all your secrets, retracted one promise or reclaimed one gift?
No, he is kind to you. Why don’t you be kind to yourself? He forgives your faults. Why don’t you do the same? He thinks tomorrow is worth living. Why don’t you agree? He believes in you enough to call you his ambassador, his follower, even his child. Why not take his cue and believe in yourself?
Be kind to yourself. God thinks you’re worth his kindness. And he’s a good judge of character.
Saturday, 3 October 2009
Epilogue
Thank God for everything; I am here again by the grace of God, I keep taking long breaks whenever I go to NIgeria its about time someone asked me 'whats up with that?' anyway God willing no disappearing act, and by his grace messages that would inspire and bless ME.. and then you. Me first because I too need to be taught, be feed by him, and it is what he graciously gives me that i can share.
Summer was a testimony, hiccups here and there, but God was faithful and gracious none the less. I am in my final year @ Uni!! thank you Lord, never thought it would come so soon, so much to be done... His grace is sufficient.
Anyway hope y'all have been well,
Believer I don't know when my first post would be, but hopefully a word comes soon.
***********************************************************************************************************************
"This was God's plan which he had made long ago; he knew all this would happen." Acts 2:23
Ever wondered 'why is this happening to me?'; ever asked "God if you knew I will face this why did you let it?' sometimes these BIG questions get a silence from God, not that he has ignored you or that he has not heard your query, or your tears, but because There is a Plan. There is a Plan. The book of Jeremiah 29:11 says God has a plan for you and I; a plan for GOOD and not for EVIL.
The plan may not have been for things to get to tangled up and murky but the murky and the tangled up must surrender to the plan of God.
I am never prepared for a lot of the 'all that happen', but Acts 2:23 says "He knew...'
I am not prepared for this battle, this mountain, but God not only knew there would be this challenge, he knew I would not be ready for it because there was no way of me seeing it before hand.
No one likes to be taken unawares, someone drops by to visit without informing you they were coming or that they had no intention of leaving your home that day, such little things get most of us all worked up and bothered, How much more the BIG things, when life happens, when people leave, when you come face to face with your imperfection or fallibleness, what do we do when the unexpected happens? what do I do? I cry and agonize, and query God... and take a large dose of self-pity.
But;
what CAN I do when the unexpected happens? what CAN you do?
we can claim the Peace of God, claim his strength and divine ability.
we can remind ourselves that it is not about us, never, but it is about God, the devil won't bother with you if you didn't have God on your side, that is why God said the 'Battle is His.'
when we are faced with the unexpected, Act 2:23 encourages us to relax, God is prepared to see us through it, one day at a time, one step at a time.
His peace.
Chichi
Summer was a testimony, hiccups here and there, but God was faithful and gracious none the less. I am in my final year @ Uni!! thank you Lord, never thought it would come so soon, so much to be done... His grace is sufficient.
Anyway hope y'all have been well,
Believer I don't know when my first post would be, but hopefully a word comes soon.
***********************************************************************************************************************
"This was God's plan which he had made long ago; he knew all this would happen." Acts 2:23
Ever wondered 'why is this happening to me?'; ever asked "God if you knew I will face this why did you let it?' sometimes these BIG questions get a silence from God, not that he has ignored you or that he has not heard your query, or your tears, but because There is a Plan. There is a Plan. The book of Jeremiah 29:11 says God has a plan for you and I; a plan for GOOD and not for EVIL.
The plan may not have been for things to get to tangled up and murky but the murky and the tangled up must surrender to the plan of God.
I am never prepared for a lot of the 'all that happen', but Acts 2:23 says "He knew...'
I am not prepared for this battle, this mountain, but God not only knew there would be this challenge, he knew I would not be ready for it because there was no way of me seeing it before hand.
No one likes to be taken unawares, someone drops by to visit without informing you they were coming or that they had no intention of leaving your home that day, such little things get most of us all worked up and bothered, How much more the BIG things, when life happens, when people leave, when you come face to face with your imperfection or fallibleness, what do we do when the unexpected happens? what do I do? I cry and agonize, and query God... and take a large dose of self-pity.
But;
what CAN I do when the unexpected happens? what CAN you do?
we can claim the Peace of God, claim his strength and divine ability.
we can remind ourselves that it is not about us, never, but it is about God, the devil won't bother with you if you didn't have God on your side, that is why God said the 'Battle is His.'
when we are faced with the unexpected, Act 2:23 encourages us to relax, God is prepared to see us through it, one day at a time, one step at a time.
His peace.
Chichi
Monday, 29 June 2009
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
A reminder for me & anyone else...
I had resigned myself to nothing... really, sadly. I was at that place where I had done everything I could have done and yet nothing was changing, as far as I could see anyway.
So as usual that day I dressed up to go no where, I sat in my bedroom, and if I remember correctly I was entertaining myself, singing, day -dreaming... doing my best not to go there, there being to the land of dark, discouraging thoughts. and then it happend.
My sister, burst into the room and begins to scream "you got it! Mum just collected it." I could not believe it! one minute I am lying on my bed the next I am holding my sister we are laughing and then I begin to cry, like really cry and my sister begins to cry too. and we just stand there holding each other. crying.
I wish I could tell you how long you had to go through the wait, the pain, Just two weeks left, another night to go. I wish God did tell us that :)
In this present pain know this, you will praise him yet again. you may feel like your floating now, going through the motions, unseen and unheard by Him who loves you. But he is closer now more than ever.
psalm 126:1 "When the Lord restored his exiles to Jerusalem it was like a dream"
psalm 42: 5 &11 " Why am I so discouraged? Why am I so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again- My Saviour, my God
psalm 18: 16-17: "You reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters. He delivered me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me."
psalm 125:1 " Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion: they will not be defeated but will endure forever."
What am trying to say is God got our back no matter how things look now, irrespective of how we feel.
chichi
So as usual that day I dressed up to go no where, I sat in my bedroom, and if I remember correctly I was entertaining myself, singing, day -dreaming... doing my best not to go there, there being to the land of dark, discouraging thoughts. and then it happend.
My sister, burst into the room and begins to scream "you got it! Mum just collected it." I could not believe it! one minute I am lying on my bed the next I am holding my sister we are laughing and then I begin to cry, like really cry and my sister begins to cry too. and we just stand there holding each other. crying.
I wish I could tell you how long you had to go through the wait, the pain, Just two weeks left, another night to go. I wish God did tell us that :)
In this present pain know this, you will praise him yet again. you may feel like your floating now, going through the motions, unseen and unheard by Him who loves you. But he is closer now more than ever.
psalm 126:1 "When the Lord restored his exiles to Jerusalem it was like a dream"
psalm 42: 5 &11 " Why am I so discouraged? Why am I so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again- My Saviour, my God
psalm 18: 16-17: "You reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters. He delivered me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me."
psalm 125:1 " Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion: they will not be defeated but will endure forever."
What am trying to say is God got our back no matter how things look now, irrespective of how we feel.
chichi
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
A prayer for the heavy heart:
Father in heaven, I worship you and give you praise for you alone are God, and forever you are worthy.
Lord Jesus you know pain both the physical and the emotional, your hands were pierced, you were beaten so much you could barely walk, barely stand straight. at the time you needed your friends they left, the moment you needed your Father he looked away.
It's funny how so many times we feel you can't understand a heavy heart, we feel you can't understand fear and pain... when there is that picture of you praying so passionately and fervently at gethsemane. That's why you are the ideal high priest of your people.
Jesus friend of the broken hearted, and the weary soul, You who is the God of all comfort. you who understands when no one else can... you who never belittles our pain, doubts or fears. Jesus I ask you to stay close just as you said in your word that you are close to the broken hearted... I ask that tonight you will wipe every tear, and sedate every restless and stressed spirit.
I ask Lord that you will offer counsel, peace and strength. Just when we begin to believe we can't go on...Jesus empower us from within.
Help me to be more sensitive to the needs and pains of others around me. I believe in you Jesus,
Thank you Lord because you never turn away a seeker. Give us your strength O Lord, and testimony, For we belong to you, we believe in you Jesus. You Can bring us out for you are a deliverer. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Lord Jesus you know pain both the physical and the emotional, your hands were pierced, you were beaten so much you could barely walk, barely stand straight. at the time you needed your friends they left, the moment you needed your Father he looked away.
It's funny how so many times we feel you can't understand a heavy heart, we feel you can't understand fear and pain... when there is that picture of you praying so passionately and fervently at gethsemane. That's why you are the ideal high priest of your people.
Jesus friend of the broken hearted, and the weary soul, You who is the God of all comfort. you who understands when no one else can... you who never belittles our pain, doubts or fears. Jesus I ask you to stay close just as you said in your word that you are close to the broken hearted... I ask that tonight you will wipe every tear, and sedate every restless and stressed spirit.
I ask Lord that you will offer counsel, peace and strength. Just when we begin to believe we can't go on...Jesus empower us from within.
Help me to be more sensitive to the needs and pains of others around me. I believe in you Jesus,
Thank you Lord because you never turn away a seeker. Give us your strength O Lord, and testimony, For we belong to you, we believe in you Jesus. You Can bring us out for you are a deliverer. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Monday, 11 May 2009
still on the prodigal son...
In the parable of the prodigal son, we are told that when he returned home, his father rejoiced and changed his clothing, he gave him a beautiful robe for his drab, stained and stinky attire.
that is exactly what our Father in heaven does for us, that is what he did for us on calvary.
Jesus took it all, and everyday till the day he returns to us he takes it all, all our shameful acts, all our vile and negativity, and he gives us who he is, he makes us worthy of him, by placing his glory upon us!!
we all fall down, make mistakes, run away from his wisdom to find our way...
we all fall down, But our Father is rooting for our rising up, our coming home.
There is no act too great for his Love or his Blood.
"But sin didn't and doesn't, have a chance in the competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace. When it is sin versus grace, GRACE wins hands down." ( The Message Bible)
keep surviving on grace.
chichi.
that is exactly what our Father in heaven does for us, that is what he did for us on calvary.
Jesus took it all, and everyday till the day he returns to us he takes it all, all our shameful acts, all our vile and negativity, and he gives us who he is, he makes us worthy of him, by placing his glory upon us!!
we all fall down, make mistakes, run away from his wisdom to find our way...
we all fall down, But our Father is rooting for our rising up, our coming home.
There is no act too great for his Love or his Blood.
"But sin didn't and doesn't, have a chance in the competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace. When it is sin versus grace, GRACE wins hands down." ( The Message Bible)
keep surviving on grace.
chichi.
Thursday, 7 May 2009
I was talking to Believer ( can't get this link thing sorted!!) on sunday, and sharing with her the message from the preacher in my church; a message on discouragement and finding solace in God.
Today, my mind wandered to the story of the prodigal son, and something in me connected with him so much. having a father who is so powerful, so well-to-do, can hook you up to the latest concerts, front row seats to everything, so huge a persona that you can actually call Bill Gates' Billy' to his face if I might add and get away with it!!
There was this young man seeing how great his father was, and feeling that his father was not utilizing his 'authority' enough; I wonder if the son's thoughts were 'Let me have my share of money then I can live the way a King's son is suppose to.' the bible records that he got his wish, and decided to live it up, parties, events, exotic locations... just the way royalty should live.
and then what happened. he went dry, both financially and other-wise, the brother was not just broke in pocket, he was broke in spirit; and he decided 'I'm going back home.'
sometimes, I do feel like i know better than God, I know right? crazzzzyyy! but I do, especially since by profession I am a writer, so I go 'God if i was writing the story of my life... I won't let X and Y happen'; I do think, God with all your power: blast this, do that, give Y, take O... and on, and on. I cry out " why the discipline?", "why the waiting?"
like the prodigal son, I am tempted to think that I am better off away from my Father's side, away from his rein and control.
But like the prodigal son, I come to my senses and decide "there is no place like home."
I choose to remain in his shadows.
I hope you do too.
"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High, will find rest in the shadows of the Almighty." Ps91:1
"Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16:33
keep surviving on grace.
chichi.
Today, my mind wandered to the story of the prodigal son, and something in me connected with him so much. having a father who is so powerful, so well-to-do, can hook you up to the latest concerts, front row seats to everything, so huge a persona that you can actually call Bill Gates' Billy' to his face if I might add and get away with it!!
There was this young man seeing how great his father was, and feeling that his father was not utilizing his 'authority' enough; I wonder if the son's thoughts were 'Let me have my share of money then I can live the way a King's son is suppose to.' the bible records that he got his wish, and decided to live it up, parties, events, exotic locations... just the way royalty should live.
and then what happened. he went dry, both financially and other-wise, the brother was not just broke in pocket, he was broke in spirit; and he decided 'I'm going back home.'
sometimes, I do feel like i know better than God, I know right? crazzzzyyy! but I do, especially since by profession I am a writer, so I go 'God if i was writing the story of my life... I won't let X and Y happen'; I do think, God with all your power: blast this, do that, give Y, take O... and on, and on. I cry out " why the discipline?", "why the waiting?"
like the prodigal son, I am tempted to think that I am better off away from my Father's side, away from his rein and control.
But like the prodigal son, I come to my senses and decide "there is no place like home."
I choose to remain in his shadows.
I hope you do too.
"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High, will find rest in the shadows of the Almighty." Ps91:1
"Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16:33
keep surviving on grace.
chichi.
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
words of hope
this is something I wrote in 2006, reading it today was rather comforting.
Blessed, Broken and Given.
Who needs this word more than I do? We all do because we all go through life in need of encouragement, a “pick-me-up” a “life-line” you dig? So the answer to my question is everyone; everyone needs this word maybe more than I do, maybe as much as I do; may not be for today but for someday.
You know how puzzles come; scattered, disjointed, looking so senseless … am talking about those picture ones. On the case there is a picture of how it is to look; Mickey and Minnie mouse smiling in their convertible… and you can’t even figure where to begin; you cannot make sense out of any of the puzzle pieces.
The word of God is that case; telling you that you are blessed, you have all you need, it is well with your soul, your future is wonderful, good things are in store for you; you will find love, get healed name it … it’s a book of positive promises but your life is the pieces of the puzzle- it feels empty, hopeless, without, troubled, shattered, un mended and worst of it feels impossible that your life is the same life pictured on that case { in the bible}.
Blessed, the bible tells us this ‘blessed is the man who trusts in the lord” to be blessed means to be anointed, special, favored, honored made enviable. You are blessed, and that is always the truth even when circumstance speaks a different word let your final word be this; the word of God- you are a special, favored, honored and anointed person hallelujah! There is no curse on you, you are not unlucky, and there is no reproach in your life present or in future. God has blessed you and no one or nothing can take that calling away from you.
Broken, the word says that God disciplines those he loves. John 16 vs. 33b says: “in this world you will have trouble’. Apostle Paul wrote ‘fight the good fight of faith’. We will be broken by life-we can not run or hide away from that. There will be troubles; there will be fights to keep faith. You will feel weary, doubtful, scared about when it will get better; nights... long nights of discomfort. Some of you are here in your lives; some of you can remember this place from your past; we have all been broken by life- we all will at one time or the other. Are you ready to breathe a sigh of relief? Yes? Let’s read Romans 8 vs. 28 ‘and we know that all things work for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose’ and 1cor 2:9 ‘No eye has seen nor ears heard nor mind conceived what God plans for those who love him’. I told you to expect a sigh of relief. Isn’t this scripture just beautiful, more beautiful because it is the truth for any situation or circumstance a lover of God finds themselves in! you may be broken today be assured that brokenness is your testimony tomorrow- as long as you love God you will smile at the end. Now I know how cliché that sounds but believe me he who gave this word (all of scripture is God given) is faithful everyday and will surely perfect it.
Given, the lord commanded us in his word “be holy as I am holy’. At the end of the trial, tribulation, or test we come out closer to our purpose than before- Romans 8 vs. 29 says “... For whom God foreknew he predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his son (Jesus)”. The ultimate purpose of every believer is to be more like Christ; to shed off the sin the weight that hinders us from being so. Every situation has a plan in your life and that is to make you more like the one who died for you on Calvary; to make you more full of faith and more faithful, more compassionate to others, more sensitive to his spirit, for him to be more lord of your life, for you to be more courageous , more holy, more at peace , more joyous, more worthy … at the end of it all you will be more than, you will be so much more than you were before the process came along.
If you want to cry, cry; but cry because it hurts not because you lack faith: for without faith it is impossible to win.
Christ will comfort us, counsel us, carry us, care for us, conquer for us- he will, he surely will.
And may the grace of our lord Jesus Christ the love of God and the sweet fellowship of his spirit rest and abide with us. In Jesus name Amen.
chichi
Blessed, Broken and Given.
Who needs this word more than I do? We all do because we all go through life in need of encouragement, a “pick-me-up” a “life-line” you dig? So the answer to my question is everyone; everyone needs this word maybe more than I do, maybe as much as I do; may not be for today but for someday.
You know how puzzles come; scattered, disjointed, looking so senseless … am talking about those picture ones. On the case there is a picture of how it is to look; Mickey and Minnie mouse smiling in their convertible… and you can’t even figure where to begin; you cannot make sense out of any of the puzzle pieces.
The word of God is that case; telling you that you are blessed, you have all you need, it is well with your soul, your future is wonderful, good things are in store for you; you will find love, get healed name it … it’s a book of positive promises but your life is the pieces of the puzzle- it feels empty, hopeless, without, troubled, shattered, un mended and worst of it feels impossible that your life is the same life pictured on that case { in the bible}.
Blessed, the bible tells us this ‘blessed is the man who trusts in the lord” to be blessed means to be anointed, special, favored, honored made enviable. You are blessed, and that is always the truth even when circumstance speaks a different word let your final word be this; the word of God- you are a special, favored, honored and anointed person hallelujah! There is no curse on you, you are not unlucky, and there is no reproach in your life present or in future. God has blessed you and no one or nothing can take that calling away from you.
Broken, the word says that God disciplines those he loves. John 16 vs. 33b says: “in this world you will have trouble’. Apostle Paul wrote ‘fight the good fight of faith’. We will be broken by life-we can not run or hide away from that. There will be troubles; there will be fights to keep faith. You will feel weary, doubtful, scared about when it will get better; nights... long nights of discomfort. Some of you are here in your lives; some of you can remember this place from your past; we have all been broken by life- we all will at one time or the other. Are you ready to breathe a sigh of relief? Yes? Let’s read Romans 8 vs. 28 ‘and we know that all things work for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose’ and 1cor 2:9 ‘No eye has seen nor ears heard nor mind conceived what God plans for those who love him’. I told you to expect a sigh of relief. Isn’t this scripture just beautiful, more beautiful because it is the truth for any situation or circumstance a lover of God finds themselves in! you may be broken today be assured that brokenness is your testimony tomorrow- as long as you love God you will smile at the end. Now I know how cliché that sounds but believe me he who gave this word (all of scripture is God given) is faithful everyday and will surely perfect it.
Given, the lord commanded us in his word “be holy as I am holy’. At the end of the trial, tribulation, or test we come out closer to our purpose than before- Romans 8 vs. 29 says “... For whom God foreknew he predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his son (Jesus)”. The ultimate purpose of every believer is to be more like Christ; to shed off the sin the weight that hinders us from being so. Every situation has a plan in your life and that is to make you more like the one who died for you on Calvary; to make you more full of faith and more faithful, more compassionate to others, more sensitive to his spirit, for him to be more lord of your life, for you to be more courageous , more holy, more at peace , more joyous, more worthy … at the end of it all you will be more than, you will be so much more than you were before the process came along.
If you want to cry, cry; but cry because it hurts not because you lack faith: for without faith it is impossible to win.
Christ will comfort us, counsel us, carry us, care for us, conquer for us- he will, he surely will.
And may the grace of our lord Jesus Christ the love of God and the sweet fellowship of his spirit rest and abide with us. In Jesus name Amen.
chichi
Sunday, 26 April 2009
surviving on grace
A psalm of Chichi:
"You're my home:
The rain falls wildly
I am broken in my spirit
Lord, you are my home: the place where my soul is free to groan.
Companions fly away
Alone in my despair
Lord, you are my home: the place where i am free to be silent, allowed to have no answers.
The world a cruel, cruel place
Fighting constantly against a finished race
my God, you are my home: Now I posses the heritage of victors
For you are all I have
For you declare you are all I need
Here I am expecting not because I am deserving
here I am believing as a key to my receiving
In need of strengthening, in need of uplifting
In you I long to encase myself
to stay covered and sheltered
for you are my home:MY PLACE OF SAFTEY AND ETERNAL SECURITY."
Ps 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength ALWAYS ready to help in times of trouble." (NLT)
keep surviving on grace. chichi
"You're my home:
The rain falls wildly
I am broken in my spirit
Lord, you are my home: the place where my soul is free to groan.
Companions fly away
Alone in my despair
Lord, you are my home: the place where i am free to be silent, allowed to have no answers.
The world a cruel, cruel place
Fighting constantly against a finished race
my God, you are my home: Now I posses the heritage of victors
For you are all I have
For you declare you are all I need
Here I am expecting not because I am deserving
here I am believing as a key to my receiving
In need of strengthening, in need of uplifting
In you I long to encase myself
to stay covered and sheltered
for you are my home:MY PLACE OF SAFTEY AND ETERNAL SECURITY."
Ps 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength ALWAYS ready to help in times of trouble." (NLT)
keep surviving on grace. chichi
Monday, 20 April 2009
And it came to me
When he whispers my name
my soul refuses to answer
as I wallow in the gutter of my mistakes.
when he whispers my name
I am broken that I he still remembers
even with all my blunders
my name lies over his heart unerased.
when he whispers my name
I shout out "forget me."
I caution him "not to love me."
because such faith and love upon me a risk.
when he whispers my name
I stand in awe and shudder,
tears of thankfullness flow, at the thought that my wrongs he can forgive.
when he whispers your name
don't refuse for too long
do embrace what he is giving: Another chance to claim his grace.
keep surviving on grace. chichi
my soul refuses to answer
as I wallow in the gutter of my mistakes.
when he whispers my name
I am broken that I he still remembers
even with all my blunders
my name lies over his heart unerased.
when he whispers my name
I shout out "forget me."
I caution him "not to love me."
because such faith and love upon me a risk.
when he whispers my name
I stand in awe and shudder,
tears of thankfullness flow, at the thought that my wrongs he can forgive.
when he whispers your name
don't refuse for too long
do embrace what he is giving: Another chance to claim his grace.
keep surviving on grace. chichi
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
My High Priest
I read this and was touched, it made my morning hope it makes yours too.
He Did It Just For You
by Max Lucado
When God entered time and became a man, he who was boundless became bound. Imprisoned in flesh. Restricted by weary-prone muscles and eyelids. For more than three decades, his once limitless reach would be limited to the stretch of an arm, his speed checked to the pace of human feet.
I wonder, was he ever tempted to reclaim his boundlessness? In the middle of a long trip, did he ever consider transporting himself to the next city? When the rain chilled his bones, was he tempted to change the weather? When the heat parched his lips, did he give thought to popping over to the Caribbean for some refreshment?
If ever he entertained such thoughts, he never gave in to them. Not once. Stop and think about this. Not once did Christ use his supernatural powers for personal comfort. With one word he could’ve transformed the hard earth into a soft bed, but he didn’t. With a wave of his hand, he could’ve boomeranged the spit of his accusers back into their faces, but he didn’t. With an arch of his brow, he could’ve paralyzed the hand of the soldier as he braided the crown of thorns. But he didn’t.
Want to know the coolest thing about the coming?
Not that he, in an instant, went from needing nothing to needing air, food, a tub of hot water and salts for his tired feet, and, more than anything, needing somebody—anybody—who was more concerned about where he would spend eternity than where he would spend Friday’s paycheck.
Not that he kept his cool while the dozen best friends he ever had felt the heat and got out of the kitchen. Or that he gave no command to the angels who begged, “Just give the nod, Lord. One word and these demons will be deviled eggs.”
Not that he refused to defend himself when blamed for every sin since Adam. Or that he stood silent as a million guilty verdicts echoed in the tribunal of heaven and the giver of light was left in the chill of a sinner’s night.
Not even that after three days in a dark hole he stepped into the Easter sunrise with a smile and a swagger and a question for lowly Lucifer—“Is that your best punch?”
That was cool, incredibly cool.
But want to know the coolest thing about the One who gave up the crown of heaven for a crown of thorns?
He did it for you. Just for you
He Did It Just For You
by Max Lucado
When God entered time and became a man, he who was boundless became bound. Imprisoned in flesh. Restricted by weary-prone muscles and eyelids. For more than three decades, his once limitless reach would be limited to the stretch of an arm, his speed checked to the pace of human feet.
I wonder, was he ever tempted to reclaim his boundlessness? In the middle of a long trip, did he ever consider transporting himself to the next city? When the rain chilled his bones, was he tempted to change the weather? When the heat parched his lips, did he give thought to popping over to the Caribbean for some refreshment?
If ever he entertained such thoughts, he never gave in to them. Not once. Stop and think about this. Not once did Christ use his supernatural powers for personal comfort. With one word he could’ve transformed the hard earth into a soft bed, but he didn’t. With a wave of his hand, he could’ve boomeranged the spit of his accusers back into their faces, but he didn’t. With an arch of his brow, he could’ve paralyzed the hand of the soldier as he braided the crown of thorns. But he didn’t.
Want to know the coolest thing about the coming?
Not that he, in an instant, went from needing nothing to needing air, food, a tub of hot water and salts for his tired feet, and, more than anything, needing somebody—anybody—who was more concerned about where he would spend eternity than where he would spend Friday’s paycheck.
Not that he kept his cool while the dozen best friends he ever had felt the heat and got out of the kitchen. Or that he gave no command to the angels who begged, “Just give the nod, Lord. One word and these demons will be deviled eggs.”
Not that he refused to defend himself when blamed for every sin since Adam. Or that he stood silent as a million guilty verdicts echoed in the tribunal of heaven and the giver of light was left in the chill of a sinner’s night.
Not even that after three days in a dark hole he stepped into the Easter sunrise with a smile and a swagger and a question for lowly Lucifer—“Is that your best punch?”
That was cool, incredibly cool.
But want to know the coolest thing about the One who gave up the crown of heaven for a crown of thorns?
He did it for you. Just for you
Thursday, 9 April 2009
FAITH IN CRISIS
it is my humble opinion that the best of us have been there. where? in a place where nothing HE is feels real, not his love, or his word or his person.
today i was reminded about the story of Peter. a story told and heard so many times, but still moving all the same. the moment Peter took his eyes of Jesus, the moment Peter thought 'check me out. i'm walking on water.' he cowered at the sight of the storm. his eyes beheld that which was mighter than him,and he cried out to Jesus, and Jesus quickly reached out and saved him.
i like what TD jakes said once, 'life happens' sometimes its the enemy of our souls trying to hit us hard, and sometimes is a life-hap. when these things happen we shake, i shake... i cry out in pain, i doubt that he hears me or that even if he hears, he would answer. sometimes we go through the motions while we struggle with what we believe.Today I was encouraged to 'go through it.' and i know its easier said than done, but it is possible never the less Paul said 'I can do all things through Christ my strength.'
Faith comes to crisis when it becomes about us. when we are zoned in on ourseleves we would definately see the storm and cower, because we know our limitation. eyes off Jesus is the begining of the crisis.
its easy to get puffed up. feel self-righteous. to look at where we are, what we have and take sole credit. I am guessing Peter forgot who called him out of the boat and began to marvel at his ability to walk on water, suddenly it became about him and not the power at work in him, the Messiah who stood before him.
is your faith in crisis today? return your eyes to Jesus. take time away, just as you would with a lover and be with him. let him hold you, assure you, let him lift you. you don't have to drown, he wants to save. he is at the ready.
I believe he longs deeply to be there for you and I always.
the storm may be greater than you. But look at who called you out of the boat.
happy easter.
I thank you Jesus for coming, dying, and rising. I will never know how much it cost to see my sins upon the cross. why you would care for me, me of all people I still can't understand. I love you so much. the grace to believe always in you. in Jesus name.
keep surviving on grace. chichi
today i was reminded about the story of Peter. a story told and heard so many times, but still moving all the same. the moment Peter took his eyes of Jesus, the moment Peter thought 'check me out. i'm walking on water.' he cowered at the sight of the storm. his eyes beheld that which was mighter than him,and he cried out to Jesus, and Jesus quickly reached out and saved him.
i like what TD jakes said once, 'life happens' sometimes its the enemy of our souls trying to hit us hard, and sometimes is a life-hap. when these things happen we shake, i shake... i cry out in pain, i doubt that he hears me or that even if he hears, he would answer. sometimes we go through the motions while we struggle with what we believe.Today I was encouraged to 'go through it.' and i know its easier said than done, but it is possible never the less Paul said 'I can do all things through Christ my strength.'
Faith comes to crisis when it becomes about us. when we are zoned in on ourseleves we would definately see the storm and cower, because we know our limitation. eyes off Jesus is the begining of the crisis.
its easy to get puffed up. feel self-righteous. to look at where we are, what we have and take sole credit. I am guessing Peter forgot who called him out of the boat and began to marvel at his ability to walk on water, suddenly it became about him and not the power at work in him, the Messiah who stood before him.
is your faith in crisis today? return your eyes to Jesus. take time away, just as you would with a lover and be with him. let him hold you, assure you, let him lift you. you don't have to drown, he wants to save. he is at the ready.
I believe he longs deeply to be there for you and I always.
the storm may be greater than you. But look at who called you out of the boat.
happy easter.
I thank you Jesus for coming, dying, and rising. I will never know how much it cost to see my sins upon the cross. why you would care for me, me of all people I still can't understand. I love you so much. the grace to believe always in you. in Jesus name.
keep surviving on grace. chichi
Wednesday, 1 April 2009
Bringing grace home.
I remember this fancy carving we had in the dinning room of our house years ago now, you know those ones that say "Jesus is Lord', 'God bless this house.' type; anyway, the one we had was a verse of scripture which says:
'Dear brothers since God so loves us we ought to Love one another'
i remember this frame so much because during lessons when the maths becomes too much for my brain I would just stare at this frame and read it taking out letters e.g " take out D and read it as ear brothers..." and no don't ask me how old i was, i wont tell. lol!
God loves us so we love others. he reached out to touch you and I so that those around us would be touched. Apostle paul puts it like this "God comforts us to comfort others" (I paraphrase).
God made a promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob about their generation getting into a land flowing with milk and honey, literally the people of Israel were going to reap where they did not sow. God made a promise and he intended to keep it even when the Israelites kicked and screamed against God, when they rebelled, when they chose an idol over him. God made a promise and was going to keep it. why? because his love, because his grace knows no other way.
bringing grace home, is all about loving the people in our lives, in our world even when they seem most undeserving, even when it logically impossible Max Lucado puts it this way:
"What is grace? it is what someone gives us out of the goodness of his/her heart, not out of the perfection of ours."
to put it simply, love should not be based on performance or even feelings(which are down today , up tomorrow) walking in Love is a choice, a conscious lifestyle.
It is one thing to be benefactors of grace, that is great, beautiful, a testimony in its own right. But to go farther in sharing and showing that love, is the end in itself. Max Lucado says on this:
"When someone really tastes the forgiving and liberating grace of God... Someone who tastes God's grace is the hardest worker, the most morally pure individual and the person most willing to forgive."
you and I are not just meant to recieve grace, we are called to bring it home.
John 13:34:
"So now I am giving you a commandment :Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other."
As we rely on God to enable us walk in Love, lets have ever before us that when love is behind an action, its never too small, it never goes unrecognized, or unrewarded.
keep surviving on his grace. chichi
'Dear brothers since God so loves us we ought to Love one another'
i remember this frame so much because during lessons when the maths becomes too much for my brain I would just stare at this frame and read it taking out letters e.g " take out D and read it as ear brothers..." and no don't ask me how old i was, i wont tell. lol!
God loves us so we love others. he reached out to touch you and I so that those around us would be touched. Apostle paul puts it like this "God comforts us to comfort others" (I paraphrase).
God made a promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob about their generation getting into a land flowing with milk and honey, literally the people of Israel were going to reap where they did not sow. God made a promise and he intended to keep it even when the Israelites kicked and screamed against God, when they rebelled, when they chose an idol over him. God made a promise and was going to keep it. why? because his love, because his grace knows no other way.
bringing grace home, is all about loving the people in our lives, in our world even when they seem most undeserving, even when it logically impossible Max Lucado puts it this way:
"What is grace? it is what someone gives us out of the goodness of his/her heart, not out of the perfection of ours."
to put it simply, love should not be based on performance or even feelings(which are down today , up tomorrow) walking in Love is a choice, a conscious lifestyle.
It is one thing to be benefactors of grace, that is great, beautiful, a testimony in its own right. But to go farther in sharing and showing that love, is the end in itself. Max Lucado says on this:
"When someone really tastes the forgiving and liberating grace of God... Someone who tastes God's grace is the hardest worker, the most morally pure individual and the person most willing to forgive."
you and I are not just meant to recieve grace, we are called to bring it home.
John 13:34:
"So now I am giving you a commandment :Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other."
As we rely on God to enable us walk in Love, lets have ever before us that when love is behind an action, its never too small, it never goes unrecognized, or unrewarded.
keep surviving on his grace. chichi
Monday, 23 March 2009
EVERYTHING HE KNOWS
You are no surprise to God! Yup, God does not look at you or me and go 'O my what was I thinking dying for someone like him/her.'
nothing you do or say surprises God; David put it this way:
"you know my every thought.. you know what I am going to say even before I say it" (psalm 139 2,4).
Mark 14:27 Jesus announced to his disciples "All of you will desert me", Peter like a lot of us refused such a claim, he declared boldly 'I never will.'
we all have said our fair share of never to God haven't we? I know I have, and what do you know, soon after there I am caught in the act!
we all have noble intentions when it comes to our Lord. Like Peter we want God to know "hey! I am your man. You can most definitely count on me to be on top form!" but Just like Peter in the same chapter from verse 66-71, we see ourselves falling short of our very promise, contradicting our noble intentions. what an unexpected surprise!
but not to God. before Peter denied Jesus, Jesus knew about it, before Jesus' disciples desereted him, Jesus knew about it. and this was what he said to them
"All of you will desert me" BUT after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there."
Before they fell, Jesus had forgiven! O the measure of GRACE.
This is not a license to go out and do what we want, like paul said: we do not continue in the wrong things just because there is grace!
But this is to offer comfort to you and to me, that even when we fall short, and act out contrary to what is in our hearts! Jesus forgives, Jesus has forgiven.
I may be a surprise to me, but not to HIM.
"Love so amazing, so divine
demands my soul, my life, my all."
keep surviving on grace. chichi
thanks for the birthday wishes! xx
nothing you do or say surprises God; David put it this way:
"you know my every thought.. you know what I am going to say even before I say it" (psalm 139 2,4).
Mark 14:27 Jesus announced to his disciples "All of you will desert me", Peter like a lot of us refused such a claim, he declared boldly 'I never will.'
we all have said our fair share of never to God haven't we? I know I have, and what do you know, soon after there I am caught in the act!
we all have noble intentions when it comes to our Lord. Like Peter we want God to know "hey! I am your man. You can most definitely count on me to be on top form!" but Just like Peter in the same chapter from verse 66-71, we see ourselves falling short of our very promise, contradicting our noble intentions. what an unexpected surprise!
but not to God. before Peter denied Jesus, Jesus knew about it, before Jesus' disciples desereted him, Jesus knew about it. and this was what he said to them
"All of you will desert me" BUT after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there."
Before they fell, Jesus had forgiven! O the measure of GRACE.
This is not a license to go out and do what we want, like paul said: we do not continue in the wrong things just because there is grace!
But this is to offer comfort to you and to me, that even when we fall short, and act out contrary to what is in our hearts! Jesus forgives, Jesus has forgiven.
I may be a surprise to me, but not to HIM.
"Love so amazing, so divine
demands my soul, my life, my all."
keep surviving on grace. chichi
thanks for the birthday wishes! xx
Friday, 20 March 2009
happy birthday to me!!
so its my birthday today YAY! and i do thank God for every thing this past year even the seemingly unpleasant why? because his word tells me ALL things are working together for my good!
anyway i decided to do something different with this post. just put down some things about me. rather random. but any way here it goes:
• I am a mummy’s baby. And I don’t mind that at all.
• I am not the last born but I am the baby of the house , Everyone ‘babies’ me. I’m so loved.
• I love to write. It is what I do, who I am…
• I am not perfect. Used to think I could be. Still struggle with that but I am learning to accept and to appreciate what grace means.
• I love God. My relationship could be better than what it is now; he will get us there no doubt. I once loved God because of family, but now I love him personally. He does well by me.
• I do not like receiving letters. Anything in a sealed envelope white, brown… I just do not appreciate the suspense of sealed envelopes. Send me an email thank you very much.
• I like ‘me time’ a lot. A lot more than the average person (I think). Sometimes it is based on choice, circumstances or force of habit.
• I love to read. Almost anything in fact.
• I love music. Music inspires me especially the gospel ones; it is an atmosphere I create for myself. The (b) part of this is that I love to start my day with some gospel jamz playing in the back-ground as I get ready.
• I think my voice sounds like a little girl. Only on phone though.
• I am not good at ironing! I do iron but because I am not excellent its my least favourite thing to do.
so there it is.
keep surviving on grace. chichi
anyway i decided to do something different with this post. just put down some things about me. rather random. but any way here it goes:
• I am a mummy’s baby. And I don’t mind that at all.
• I am not the last born but I am the baby of the house , Everyone ‘babies’ me. I’m so loved.
• I love to write. It is what I do, who I am…
• I am not perfect. Used to think I could be. Still struggle with that but I am learning to accept and to appreciate what grace means.
• I love God. My relationship could be better than what it is now; he will get us there no doubt. I once loved God because of family, but now I love him personally. He does well by me.
• I do not like receiving letters. Anything in a sealed envelope white, brown… I just do not appreciate the suspense of sealed envelopes. Send me an email thank you very much.
• I like ‘me time’ a lot. A lot more than the average person (I think). Sometimes it is based on choice, circumstances or force of habit.
• I love to read. Almost anything in fact.
• I love music. Music inspires me especially the gospel ones; it is an atmosphere I create for myself. The (b) part of this is that I love to start my day with some gospel jamz playing in the back-ground as I get ready.
• I think my voice sounds like a little girl. Only on phone though.
• I am not good at ironing! I do iron but because I am not excellent its my least favourite thing to do.
so there it is.
keep surviving on grace. chichi
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Learning to be a son
I will like to think that with my earthly parents I have been a perfect child. bringing home great grades, always polite and submissive, never given them reason to think "what is her problem?" but I know I haven't been the perfect child, far from it but I have been their child and they love me perfectly.
I remember once in Junior secondary school, I had a really bad school report and i hid it from my parents. however, they finally found out, not just that my grade was bad but that i hid it from them, and man was it a looonngg summer break.
shortly after the incident before i was to return to boarding school, my mum took me to Mr. Bigs (kinda like a KFC in Nigeria) and she said to me 'pick anything you want.' and i was surprised and i said to her ' why do you want to buy anything for me' and my mum's reply was 'why not?'
in my head I did not deserve the treat but my mum thought I was crazy to think that.
I would like to tell you that to my heavenly father I have been a perfect child, that I own a sign post that says 'NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS ONE!' or it is in-fact true; but I too have my share of many fallings that leave me beside my self in grief.
There have been days when the last thing i felt like was like a son to him, most times I stay away when i think 'my mess is too messy, But thank Jesus, I am learning that even when it hurts to go to him after all I have said, done and thought, i should because I am his son no matter what; He does not condemn me no matter how wrong I have been, nor does he berate me for going off the path he carved out, he holds me close to his heart; like the father of the prodigal son, he is just glad to see me and when I ask him why he cares for me at all, I imagine that with a smile on his face, as he wipes my tears he says to me 'why not?'
GRACE IS A BEAUTIFUL GIFT.
he's crazy about ya!
keep surviving on grace. chichi
I remember once in Junior secondary school, I had a really bad school report and i hid it from my parents. however, they finally found out, not just that my grade was bad but that i hid it from them, and man was it a looonngg summer break.
shortly after the incident before i was to return to boarding school, my mum took me to Mr. Bigs (kinda like a KFC in Nigeria) and she said to me 'pick anything you want.' and i was surprised and i said to her ' why do you want to buy anything for me' and my mum's reply was 'why not?'
in my head I did not deserve the treat but my mum thought I was crazy to think that.
I would like to tell you that to my heavenly father I have been a perfect child, that I own a sign post that says 'NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS ONE!' or it is in-fact true; but I too have my share of many fallings that leave me beside my self in grief.
There have been days when the last thing i felt like was like a son to him, most times I stay away when i think 'my mess is too messy, But thank Jesus, I am learning that even when it hurts to go to him after all I have said, done and thought, i should because I am his son no matter what; He does not condemn me no matter how wrong I have been, nor does he berate me for going off the path he carved out, he holds me close to his heart; like the father of the prodigal son, he is just glad to see me and when I ask him why he cares for me at all, I imagine that with a smile on his face, as he wipes my tears he says to me 'why not?'
GRACE IS A BEAUTIFUL GIFT.
he's crazy about ya!
keep surviving on grace. chichi
Monday, 9 March 2009
I know how it ends
Lord I give you thanks, even though i can be silent, and lament, i choose to give you thanks, remembering all the glorious things you have done for me:
-you forgive ALL my sins
_ you heal me ALWAYS
-you have ransomed me from hell.
-you fill my life with GOOD things
-you renew my strength
-you give me justice
-you reveal your nature and plan to me.
above all Lord, I thank you because I am surrounded on everyside by GRACE!
i need it, you give it, I thank you.
"Be strong in the Lord and be of good courage. since I was young and now i am old i have not seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread. He who called you is faithful and will complete the good work he has begun in you."
keep surviving on grace. chichi
-you forgive ALL my sins
_ you heal me ALWAYS
-you have ransomed me from hell.
-you fill my life with GOOD things
-you renew my strength
-you give me justice
-you reveal your nature and plan to me.
above all Lord, I thank you because I am surrounded on everyside by GRACE!
i need it, you give it, I thank you.
"Be strong in the Lord and be of good courage. since I was young and now i am old i have not seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread. He who called you is faithful and will complete the good work he has begun in you."
keep surviving on grace. chichi
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
"HE AVOIDS NO SEEKERS"
Heb2:18
"For since he himself has been through suffering and temptation, he knows what it is like when we suffer and are tempted, and he is wonderfully able to help us."
being a tad light skinned, i wear my bruises or scratches for the world to see(LOL); they are always reddish looking.
yesterday was one of those days of bearing a bruise for the world to see. I had just gone to do my much over due grocery shopping right after classes. there I was with two very full and might I had heavy shopping bags and my heavy school bag set to walk the next 5 minutes there about to my dorm. I thought "EASY! I can hustle with the weight... its just 5 minutes. " so I refused to call my flat mate to meet me up at the store.
my journey to my dorm began and boy was it agony with a capital 'A' my school hand bag kept sliping from my shoulders, the weight of my shopping bags was enough to convince me that in a matter of seconds both my arms would just fall off. i struggled badly, and some how, my hand-bag consipered with my wrist watch (I can not explain this part) but in the process of my bag slipping from my shoulders and me trying to get it back in place while keeping my grip on my two shopping bags, I got injured and now i have a reddish bruise on my left hand to show for it.
today it is a lot better not as swollen as it was yesterday, but still very much red. and now I think, I should have called my flat mate to help!!
The verse above took on a whole new meaning for me, why are we so adamant, so stubborn some times to go to Jesus for help. Why do we tend to feel on other occassions that he just can't understand where we are, and what we are facing, or even allowing guilt to make us feel we do not deserve to go to him and cry out "I HAVE MESSED UP. HELP ME!"
Grace in effect is embodied in Jesus Christ, who came, Lived like man and died and rose again. We are quick to remember the rose again part, but too often we forget he lived as a man, he was a teenager, a young adult, flesh and blood... tempted in ever way YET without sin.
HE AVOIDS NO SEEKERS, do not be like me and go it alone for whatever reason, you do not have to bear the scars of your struggles; in fact you should not be struggling at all! His grace can teach you how to handle the Goliath you face Today and even Tomorrow. RUN TO HIM, WALK TO HIM, CRAWL TO HIM... just go to him, and let him 'SHOW YOU HOW IT IS DONE!'
i am off to put vaseline on the bruise!!lol
keep surviving on grace. chichi
"For since he himself has been through suffering and temptation, he knows what it is like when we suffer and are tempted, and he is wonderfully able to help us."
being a tad light skinned, i wear my bruises or scratches for the world to see(LOL); they are always reddish looking.
yesterday was one of those days of bearing a bruise for the world to see. I had just gone to do my much over due grocery shopping right after classes. there I was with two very full and might I had heavy shopping bags and my heavy school bag set to walk the next 5 minutes there about to my dorm. I thought "EASY! I can hustle with the weight... its just 5 minutes. " so I refused to call my flat mate to meet me up at the store.
my journey to my dorm began and boy was it agony with a capital 'A' my school hand bag kept sliping from my shoulders, the weight of my shopping bags was enough to convince me that in a matter of seconds both my arms would just fall off. i struggled badly, and some how, my hand-bag consipered with my wrist watch (I can not explain this part) but in the process of my bag slipping from my shoulders and me trying to get it back in place while keeping my grip on my two shopping bags, I got injured and now i have a reddish bruise on my left hand to show for it.
today it is a lot better not as swollen as it was yesterday, but still very much red. and now I think, I should have called my flat mate to help!!
The verse above took on a whole new meaning for me, why are we so adamant, so stubborn some times to go to Jesus for help. Why do we tend to feel on other occassions that he just can't understand where we are, and what we are facing, or even allowing guilt to make us feel we do not deserve to go to him and cry out "I HAVE MESSED UP. HELP ME!"
Grace in effect is embodied in Jesus Christ, who came, Lived like man and died and rose again. We are quick to remember the rose again part, but too often we forget he lived as a man, he was a teenager, a young adult, flesh and blood... tempted in ever way YET without sin.
HE AVOIDS NO SEEKERS, do not be like me and go it alone for whatever reason, you do not have to bear the scars of your struggles; in fact you should not be struggling at all! His grace can teach you how to handle the Goliath you face Today and even Tomorrow. RUN TO HIM, WALK TO HIM, CRAWL TO HIM... just go to him, and let him 'SHOW YOU HOW IT IS DONE!'
i am off to put vaseline on the bruise!!lol
keep surviving on grace. chichi
Sunday, 8 February 2009
this thing called grace 2
""I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am" "
— John Newton
"For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am; and his grace to me was not without effect. No I worked harder than all of them-yet not I, but the grace of God was with me."
-Apsotle Paul (1cor.16:9)
it does not matter where we have come from, or where we are... His Love is not about our perfomance or measuring up to our personal merit. it is too outrageous to believe someone could Love like Christ does; to Love someone in spite of themselves. Grace is a concept Too crazy that people miss it.
"Lord I do not understand your grace, your love. But I want to move past trying to reason you out of taking interest in me and to accept and fully embrace your Grace. I need your Grace and though some times I try to earn the good that you have to offer; thank you Lord that it is not up to me or any other man but up to you to bless me and fill me up not because of who I am but because of who you are. in Jesus name. Amen."
believer I am BACK!! and thanks to you all for your kind comments on my last post.
keep surviving on His grace. chichi
— John Newton
"For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am; and his grace to me was not without effect. No I worked harder than all of them-yet not I, but the grace of God was with me."
-Apsotle Paul (1cor.16:9)
it does not matter where we have come from, or where we are... His Love is not about our perfomance or measuring up to our personal merit. it is too outrageous to believe someone could Love like Christ does; to Love someone in spite of themselves. Grace is a concept Too crazy that people miss it.
"Lord I do not understand your grace, your love. But I want to move past trying to reason you out of taking interest in me and to accept and fully embrace your Grace. I need your Grace and though some times I try to earn the good that you have to offer; thank you Lord that it is not up to me or any other man but up to you to bless me and fill me up not because of who I am but because of who you are. in Jesus name. Amen."
believer I am BACK!! and thanks to you all for your kind comments on my last post.
keep surviving on His grace. chichi
Saturday, 24 January 2009
the roar of a lion... the cowardice of an ostrich
I wish i could claim that everyday i felt like getting out of bed. i wish i could claim that i looked forward to going to sleep each night. of recent sleeping time has become a period of staying up late into the night fretting about this, about that. o boy do i wish i could claim to have it figured out, that i walk on water 24/7, 365... i wish i could say that whenever i think about my future i have 100% faith that everything i desire will come through.
i wish i could say that i lived perfectly grace or no grace. that if you watched me every day that there will be nothing contradictory about what i believe and how i live. but i can't so i won't.
I am not perfect i am far from it, not fit to teach but in need of schooling. it all gets too much and complex and I wish i could just disappear from earth and be with God in heaven and not have to deal with life,mistakes, people etc... and then i feel bad for wanting 'death' in those moments. until today, until today; i came across this verse in the bible:
philpians 1 vs 21-24: paul too wanted out, go read it yourself this aint no blasphemy, paul wanted to live all the chains and struggles and go be with Christ '..for I long to go and be with Christ' Vs 23.
granted some of you out there never get weak, weary, some of you out there have never wanted to just quit and run to heaven... well, good for you guys I sure wish I had a dose of whatever God put inside of you.
somedays i roar like a lion, other days i bury my face in the sand too afraid... longing to go and be with Christ. but his strength is made manifest in my weakness.
and the same holds true for you. its okay to want to run and hide, if it wasn't why would we need a saviour in the first place? why would Christ offer to take our burdens if we never had one in the first place.
'Jesus is the cure for a weary soul'. I am so weary so i go to him, my dear why don't you do the same.
his peace. my love. chichi.
p.s: this is my last post for a while. stay blest. x
i wish i could say that i lived perfectly grace or no grace. that if you watched me every day that there will be nothing contradictory about what i believe and how i live. but i can't so i won't.
I am not perfect i am far from it, not fit to teach but in need of schooling. it all gets too much and complex and I wish i could just disappear from earth and be with God in heaven and not have to deal with life,mistakes, people etc... and then i feel bad for wanting 'death' in those moments. until today, until today; i came across this verse in the bible:
philpians 1 vs 21-24: paul too wanted out, go read it yourself this aint no blasphemy, paul wanted to live all the chains and struggles and go be with Christ '..for I long to go and be with Christ' Vs 23.
granted some of you out there never get weak, weary, some of you out there have never wanted to just quit and run to heaven... well, good for you guys I sure wish I had a dose of whatever God put inside of you.
somedays i roar like a lion, other days i bury my face in the sand too afraid... longing to go and be with Christ. but his strength is made manifest in my weakness.
and the same holds true for you. its okay to want to run and hide, if it wasn't why would we need a saviour in the first place? why would Christ offer to take our burdens if we never had one in the first place.
'Jesus is the cure for a weary soul'. I am so weary so i go to him, my dear why don't you do the same.
his peace. my love. chichi.
p.s: this is my last post for a while. stay blest. x
Thursday, 8 January 2009
Doing Life Differently,
Laws of the Lighthouse
by Max Lucado
The first of the year is known for three things: black-eyed peas, bowl games, and lists. Some don’t eat black-eyed peas. Others hate football. But everybody likes lists.
The Bible certainly has its share of lists. Moses brought one down from the mountain.
There are lists of the gifts of the Spirit. Lists of good fruit and bad. Lists of salutations and greetings. Even the disciples’ boat got into the action as it listed in the stormy Sea of Galilee. (If you smiled at that, then I’ve got a list of puns you’d enjoy.)
But the greatest day of lists is still New Year’s Day. And the number one list is the list I call the Laws of the Lighthouse.
The Laws of the Lighthouse contain more than good ideas, personal preferences, and honest opinions. They are God-given, time-tested truths that define the way you should navigate your life. Observe them and enjoy secure passage. Ignore them and crash against the ragged rocks of reality.
Smart move. The wise captain shifts the direction of his craft according to the signal of the lighthouse. A wise person does the same.
Herewith, then, are the lights I look for and the signals I heed:
– Love God more than you fear hell.
– Once a week, let a child take you on a walk.
– Make major decisions in a cemetery.
– When no one is watching, live as if someone is.
– Succeed at home first.
– Don’t spend tomorrow’s money today.
– Pray twice as much as you fret.
– Listen twice as much as you speak.
– Only harbor a grudge when God does.
– Never outgrow your love of sunsets.
– Treat people like angels; you will meet some and help make some.
– ‘Tis wiser to err on the side of generosity than on the side of scrutiny.
– God has forgiven you; you’d be wise to do the same.
– When you can’t trace God’s hand, trust his heart.
– Toot your own horn and the notes will be flat.
– Don’t feel guilty for God’s goodness.
– The book of life is lived in chapters, so know your page number.
– Never let the important be the victim of the trivial.
– Live your liturgy.
To sum it all up:
Approach life like a voyage on a schooner. Enjoy the view. Explore the vessel. Make friends with the captain. Fish a little. And then get off when you get home.
From
In the Eye of the Storm
© (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006) Max Lucado
by Max Lucado
The first of the year is known for three things: black-eyed peas, bowl games, and lists. Some don’t eat black-eyed peas. Others hate football. But everybody likes lists.
The Bible certainly has its share of lists. Moses brought one down from the mountain.
There are lists of the gifts of the Spirit. Lists of good fruit and bad. Lists of salutations and greetings. Even the disciples’ boat got into the action as it listed in the stormy Sea of Galilee. (If you smiled at that, then I’ve got a list of puns you’d enjoy.)
But the greatest day of lists is still New Year’s Day. And the number one list is the list I call the Laws of the Lighthouse.
The Laws of the Lighthouse contain more than good ideas, personal preferences, and honest opinions. They are God-given, time-tested truths that define the way you should navigate your life. Observe them and enjoy secure passage. Ignore them and crash against the ragged rocks of reality.
Smart move. The wise captain shifts the direction of his craft according to the signal of the lighthouse. A wise person does the same.
Herewith, then, are the lights I look for and the signals I heed:
– Love God more than you fear hell.
– Once a week, let a child take you on a walk.
– Make major decisions in a cemetery.
– When no one is watching, live as if someone is.
– Succeed at home first.
– Don’t spend tomorrow’s money today.
– Pray twice as much as you fret.
– Listen twice as much as you speak.
– Only harbor a grudge when God does.
– Never outgrow your love of sunsets.
– Treat people like angels; you will meet some and help make some.
– ‘Tis wiser to err on the side of generosity than on the side of scrutiny.
– God has forgiven you; you’d be wise to do the same.
– When you can’t trace God’s hand, trust his heart.
– Toot your own horn and the notes will be flat.
– Don’t feel guilty for God’s goodness.
– The book of life is lived in chapters, so know your page number.
– Never let the important be the victim of the trivial.
– Live your liturgy.
To sum it all up:
Approach life like a voyage on a schooner. Enjoy the view. Explore the vessel. Make friends with the captain. Fish a little. And then get off when you get home.
From
In the Eye of the Storm
© (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006) Max Lucado
Tuesday, 6 January 2009
this thing called grace
so as you all know 'levels has changed!!' lol- as in my blog title or is it banner. amongst other things, it is also a remider to me that if not for Grace nothing that he has done, he is doing or yet to do will be, has been or is possible.
Grace is a leveler, the christain of ten plus years and the one of 10 seconds are both covered by grace. if we want to be honest so many of 'saved ones' tend to get all high and what not conciously or not, looking down on people who are saved but don't act/talk or walk like it or even those who are totally on the other side of the fence. I can be honest it happens to me everynow and again.
But I had a humbling experice and I heard that word "Grace."
i realized that honestly Grace had never meant more to me than its meaning now, 2009 is a year of Grace, of Gods Grace.
Grace is a force so strong and at work within us that causes us to cease from struggling with the same things, that enables us to declare victory over the very things that we( in the absence of grace) could have failed at.
Grace is the enviable generosity of God: blessed so much, people-even you are amazed. Grace is not about perfomance, but about who God is.
Ps23:3 'he leads me beside green pastures for HIS name sake.'
my hope is to come to rely more and more on grace, and to Know about this thing called grace.
But the trick is if grace abounds, as God said to paul 'My grace is sufficient for you.' why bother about uprightness, about the things of God since Grace is God choosing to be generous, tolerant, kind and understanding inspite of our short comings et al.
well grace is God's gift to us, in the form of his word, his son, his holy spirit and all other things pertaining to our salvation.
what is our gift to God? it is a love that causes us not to take his gift of grace for granted, in the absence of relying on self-power to fufil his calling of holiness upon our lives (1pet.2:13-16) but embracing everything he has made avaliable, provided inorder that we might fufil that calling;things as general as his word, and fellowship with the spirit, and the house of God i.e. church; and more specific like christain friends/mentors, christian literature and blogsville!!!
father in the name of Jesus I thank you for your Grace, for what it means and what it is meaning to me. for what it gives and what it is givivng to me. Lord let your grace transform me from the inside out, let your grace remain my testimony. in your grace i move, live and have my being. thank you lord in jesus name.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit (Phil.4:23).chichi
Grace is a leveler, the christain of ten plus years and the one of 10 seconds are both covered by grace. if we want to be honest so many of 'saved ones' tend to get all high and what not conciously or not, looking down on people who are saved but don't act/talk or walk like it or even those who are totally on the other side of the fence. I can be honest it happens to me everynow and again.
But I had a humbling experice and I heard that word "Grace."
i realized that honestly Grace had never meant more to me than its meaning now, 2009 is a year of Grace, of Gods Grace.
Grace is a force so strong and at work within us that causes us to cease from struggling with the same things, that enables us to declare victory over the very things that we( in the absence of grace) could have failed at.
Grace is the enviable generosity of God: blessed so much, people-even you are amazed. Grace is not about perfomance, but about who God is.
Ps23:3 'he leads me beside green pastures for HIS name sake.'
my hope is to come to rely more and more on grace, and to Know about this thing called grace.
But the trick is if grace abounds, as God said to paul 'My grace is sufficient for you.' why bother about uprightness, about the things of God since Grace is God choosing to be generous, tolerant, kind and understanding inspite of our short comings et al.
well grace is God's gift to us, in the form of his word, his son, his holy spirit and all other things pertaining to our salvation.
what is our gift to God? it is a love that causes us not to take his gift of grace for granted, in the absence of relying on self-power to fufil his calling of holiness upon our lives (1pet.2:13-16) but embracing everything he has made avaliable, provided inorder that we might fufil that calling;things as general as his word, and fellowship with the spirit, and the house of God i.e. church; and more specific like christain friends/mentors, christian literature and blogsville!!!
father in the name of Jesus I thank you for your Grace, for what it means and what it is meaning to me. for what it gives and what it is givivng to me. Lord let your grace transform me from the inside out, let your grace remain my testimony. in your grace i move, live and have my being. thank you lord in jesus name.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit (Phil.4:23).chichi
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