Life happens, and if you do not take note it passes you by really quickly. It is good to just sit in the moment or second and savour peace, joy, balance, silence, love, hope. I think we get over our good moments too quickly and we stay down lots longer. Life passes through us, it changes us affects us, influences us, breaks us and makes us but seldom do we pass through life. We live for our seleves and forget about the others, those who have not what we take for granted or deem as common. My level of grace won’t permit me to sit with a mentally unstable person because I have a sound mind but it will permit me to serve or make myself available in another form, perhaps cheer someone up who feels discouraged. Joy is about focusing on God, not things not people because things come and go, people come and go…. But my dear, God is always.
Life is something even movies do not communicate no matter how hard they try. Life is unexpected, it happens so fast. Good moments give way to the bad and the bad bows again to the good times. Like the sun and moon they switch, each serving its purpose in our lives, each showing us how great our God is as a helper and a deliverer. Jackie Kennedy Onasis said ‘life is a mixture of the good and bad, you can’t have one without the other.’ Dwell longer on moments of victories, consider the battles won in life before because good times will give way to the difficult times… but both seasons point us to our God.
His peace. My love
Chi chi
Showing posts with label grace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grace. Show all posts
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Its not you its HIM
Gal 1: 15, Paul says something that hit me so hard in my heart "... He called me through (his) grace."
Sometimes we forget that it has nothing to do with us, not really. I am not saved because I have an amazing voice that gives people a glimpse of heaven whenever I sing. I am not loved by God because I am perfect, and get it right every second of every moment. God did not call me because I was 'right'.... even the bible says while I was yet in SIN, he died (loved) for me.
Today lets remember this, God loves us not because of us but in spite of us, and he has called us to be his through grace... nothing else. Its all about GRACE people.... its always about GRACE.
Keep surviving on his grace.
Sometimes we forget that it has nothing to do with us, not really. I am not saved because I have an amazing voice that gives people a glimpse of heaven whenever I sing. I am not loved by God because I am perfect, and get it right every second of every moment. God did not call me because I was 'right'.... even the bible says while I was yet in SIN, he died (loved) for me.
Today lets remember this, God loves us not because of us but in spite of us, and he has called us to be his through grace... nothing else. Its all about GRACE people.... its always about GRACE.
Keep surviving on his grace.
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
When your heart needs a father
The Living Room:
When Your Heart Needs a Father
by Max Lucado
"Our Father who is in heaven …” With these words Jesus escorts us into the Great House of God. Shall we follow him? There is so much to see. Every room reveals his heart, every stop will soothe your soul. And no room is as essential as this one we enter first. Walk behind him as he leads us into God’s living room.
Sit in the chair that was made for you and warm your hands by the fire which never fades. Take time to look at the framed photos and find yours. Be sure to pick up the scrapbook and find the story of your life. But please, before any of that, stand at the mantle and study the painting which hangs above it.
Your Father treasures the portrait. He has hung it where all can see.
Stand before it a thousand times and each gaze is as fresh as the first. Let a million look at the canvas and each one will see himself. And each will be right.
Captured in the portrait is a tender scene of a father and a son. Behind them is a great house on a hill. Beneath their feet is a narrow path. Down from the house the father has run. Up the trail the son has trudged. The two have met, here, at the gate.
We can’t see the face of the son; it’s buried in the chest of his father. No, we can’t see his face, but we can see his tattered robe and stringy hair. We can see the mud on the back of his legs, the filth on his shoulders and the empty purse on the ground. At one time the purse was full of money. At one time the boy was full of pride. But that was a dozen taverns ago. Now both the purse and the pride are depleted. The prodigal offers no gift or explanation. All he offers is the smell of pigs and a rehearsed apology: “Father, I have sinned against God and done wrong to you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son” (Luke 15:21).
He feels unworthy of his birthright. “Demote me. Punish me. Take my name off the mailbox and my initials off the family tree. I am willing to give up my place at your table.” The boy is content to be a hired hand. There is only one problem. Though the boy is willing to stop being a son, the father is not willing to stop being a father.
Though we can’t see the boy’s face in the painting, we can’t miss the father’s. Look at the tears glistening on the leathered cheeks, the smile shining through the silver beard. One arm holds the boy up so he won’t fall, the other holds the boy close so he won’t doubt.
“Hurry!” he shouts. “Bring the best clothes and put them on him. Also, put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get our fat calf and kill it so we can have a feast and celebrate. My son was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost but now he is found!” (Luke 15:22–24).
How these words must have stunned the young man, “My son was dead …” He thought he’d lost his place in the home. After all, didn’t he abandon his father? Didn’t he waste his inheritance? The boy assumed he had forfeited his privilege to sonship. The father, however, doesn’t give up that easily. In his mind, his son is still a son. The child may have been out of the house, but he was never out of his father’s heart. He may have left the table, but he never left the family. Don’t miss the message here. You may be willing to stop being God’s child. But God is not willing to stop being your Father.
When Your Heart Needs a Father
by Max Lucado
"Our Father who is in heaven …” With these words Jesus escorts us into the Great House of God. Shall we follow him? There is so much to see. Every room reveals his heart, every stop will soothe your soul. And no room is as essential as this one we enter first. Walk behind him as he leads us into God’s living room.
Sit in the chair that was made for you and warm your hands by the fire which never fades. Take time to look at the framed photos and find yours. Be sure to pick up the scrapbook and find the story of your life. But please, before any of that, stand at the mantle and study the painting which hangs above it.
Your Father treasures the portrait. He has hung it where all can see.
Stand before it a thousand times and each gaze is as fresh as the first. Let a million look at the canvas and each one will see himself. And each will be right.
Captured in the portrait is a tender scene of a father and a son. Behind them is a great house on a hill. Beneath their feet is a narrow path. Down from the house the father has run. Up the trail the son has trudged. The two have met, here, at the gate.
We can’t see the face of the son; it’s buried in the chest of his father. No, we can’t see his face, but we can see his tattered robe and stringy hair. We can see the mud on the back of his legs, the filth on his shoulders and the empty purse on the ground. At one time the purse was full of money. At one time the boy was full of pride. But that was a dozen taverns ago. Now both the purse and the pride are depleted. The prodigal offers no gift or explanation. All he offers is the smell of pigs and a rehearsed apology: “Father, I have sinned against God and done wrong to you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son” (Luke 15:21).
He feels unworthy of his birthright. “Demote me. Punish me. Take my name off the mailbox and my initials off the family tree. I am willing to give up my place at your table.” The boy is content to be a hired hand. There is only one problem. Though the boy is willing to stop being a son, the father is not willing to stop being a father.
Though we can’t see the boy’s face in the painting, we can’t miss the father’s. Look at the tears glistening on the leathered cheeks, the smile shining through the silver beard. One arm holds the boy up so he won’t fall, the other holds the boy close so he won’t doubt.
“Hurry!” he shouts. “Bring the best clothes and put them on him. Also, put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get our fat calf and kill it so we can have a feast and celebrate. My son was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost but now he is found!” (Luke 15:22–24).
How these words must have stunned the young man, “My son was dead …” He thought he’d lost his place in the home. After all, didn’t he abandon his father? Didn’t he waste his inheritance? The boy assumed he had forfeited his privilege to sonship. The father, however, doesn’t give up that easily. In his mind, his son is still a son. The child may have been out of the house, but he was never out of his father’s heart. He may have left the table, but he never left the family. Don’t miss the message here. You may be willing to stop being God’s child. But God is not willing to stop being your Father.
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.
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
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
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
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
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