The Vine!

Hello Friend,

How are you doing today? Don't think I've been cleaning since Tues oh! I thot this week was going to be a week of relaxation before my busiest and final semester begins next week but... It happens to us all every week. When u think Mon -Fri is hectic and u can finally rest during the weekend, the weekend ends up being busier than the week cos you try to squeeze all you need to do in there.

Today is the 31st of August can u believe that, we've made it to the beginning of yet another month. I made it through my month of divine Escape and have entered my month of divine Elevation. God is sooooo faithful. Check this out, I was reading John 15 this morning. Verse 5 says "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.". Nothing!!! Verse 6 says "If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned". Can u imagine. Why would you not want to remain in Him. And do you notice that it says remain, that means you cannot just come and then leave, you have to REMAIN. It is a continuous process. Not in today, out tomorrow.

Verse 7 says "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you". Whatever. hmmn. Verse 18-19 says "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you".

We do not belong to the world but have been chosen out of the world. I just thank God for choosing me. Being connected to Jesus is the best gift ever. Knowing that these were His very words is phenomenal.

Have a blessed weekend and remember His word.

L8r

Cleaning!

Hello Friend,

How are you doing today? Today is spring cleaning day. With the hectic day to day activities, we still need to find time to ensure a clean house. Not an exciting activity sometimes but necessary. Now spring cleaning is different from normal cleaning like we all know. Found this spring cleaning checklist on Martha Stewart's web site. Click here to view. Looks like a list for a professional lol.Found this other real simple one for moms on the go. Click on the pics. Check out this organizing page as well. Kool pics.
L8r

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success" Joshua 1:8

For the Weekend!

“A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.” - Max Lucado

(selah`)

Jesus Freak!

Hello Friend,

How are you doing? Great I am sure. The latter part of yesterday I had an eye ache. lol. That was how it felt. A headache that ached around my eye. You know I already started walking in my dominion this past weekend, so I committed it to God and it's gone. Thank God.

Logged on to update the blog, and came across one of the songs I danced to while in college 'Jesus Freak' by DC Talk. I remember we all danced to the song with so much energy and passion as with all our other dances. The dance was intense. Brings back memories!!! You truly have to be a Jesus freak to get this song.

Click here to listen to the song (Starts Playing like 2 secs after you click). Check out the lyrics below as well (Right click and open in another window so you can look at the lyrics at the same time). Basically talks about separation from worldly ways, acknowledging Christ in every way regardless of what people may think. They also give the example of John the Baptist who people thought was strange. But he was strange for God.

Lyrics
Separated I cut myself clean
From a past that comes back in my darkest dreams
Been apprehended by a spiritual force
And a grace that replaced all the me I've divorced
I saw a man with tattoo on his big fast belly
It wiggled around like marmalade jelly
It took me a while to catch what it said
Cause I had to match the rhyme of his belly with my head
Jesus Saves is what it raved in a typical tattoo green
He stood on a box in the middle of the city
And claimed he had a dream

What will people think when they hear that I'm a Jesus freak
What will people do when they find that it's true
I don't really care if they label me a Jesus freak
Cause there ain't no disguising the truth

Kamikaze my death is gain
I've been marked by my maker
A peculiar display
The high and lofty they see me as weak
Cause I won't live and die for the power they seek

There was a man from the desert with naps in his head
the sand that he walked was also his bed
The words that he spoke made the people assume
There wasn't too much left in the upper room
With skins on his back and hair on his face
They thought he was strange by the locust he ate
The Pharisee's tripped when they heard him speak
Until the king took the head of this Jesus freak

People say I'm strange, does it make me a stranger
That my best friend was born in a manger
People say I'm strange, does it make me a stranger
That my best friend was born in a manger

What will people think(2x)
What will people do(2x)
I don't really care
What else can I say
There ain't no disguising the truth
Jesus is the way

Did you make it through the song??? lol. Anyway for more recent songs. I found this kool website. It's for the new release 'Pages' by Shane & Shane. Click here to listen to the songs on the album (Takes a while to load but it's totally worth it). You can also check out their website.

OMG!!! I totally have to get this album. All the songs really minister. 'Burn us up' 'In you' Before the throne' Goose bumps. The website is also 'Da Bomb'. The release date of the album is Aug 28. You can also check out their tour info by clicking on the pic.

Have a blessed day.

L8r

"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord," Eph 5:19

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God" Col 3:16

Power Explosion!

Hello Friend,

How are you doing today? I trust that ur weekend was good. Our power conference was an explosion! I don't even know where to begin. You basically have to check our church website out for the message. It was really powerful. Click here. (It was a 3 day program Fri-Sun, you can only get to listen to Sunday's message).

We have to realise as Christians that we have authority and power embedded in us.

"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth". Gen 1:26

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen". Mark 16:15-20

Basically "go ye into the world" means go into your job, your career, your business, your schools, your events, your gatherings, essentially whenever and wherever you may find yourself, preach the gospel with your behavior, your words, your actions/deeds. God has given us dominion. Like Apostle Wilson said 'that is why even though man cannot run faster than a cheetah, he has invented the fastest vehicles, even though man cannot fly (no wings) he has invented space shuttles'. Yeah! Because we have dominion. Dominion applies to all of men, as he said but we believers have spiritual dominion in addition. As a believer you can conquer not only in the physical but in the spiritual as well. An unbeliever does not have that privilege. He said we are kings. God is the Kings of ...kings.

I want to emphasize the power, authority and dominion we need to apply in our daily lives. We can't be believers, true kings and be 'the laziest person at work', or 'the bottom of class' or 'the one with bad attitude' and so on. We are pacesetters. We should be showing people how it's done not being the on looker ('look'ozade). We need to remind ourselves of the above scriptures, and others like "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" 2 Tim 1:7

Does that mean that we are never to be challenged or tired or weak sometimes??? No. Check this out. His word says "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2Cor 12:9 NIV As long as we hand over our weaknesses to Him.

One of the songs that was taken during praise & worship by Bobby Connors just also made it resonate. The song is titled 'Takin it back'. On his 'No limits' CD. Click here to view his website. The songs says we need to pull down every stronghold and take back God's kingdom. For real y'all.

L8r

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 2 Cor 10:4

Yipee!

Hello Friend,

How are you doing today? End of summer semester at last. phew! Thank God. It's a huge relief for now. Had a bit of an issue with my daughter and daycare. Dropped her off wed, and they said she had a temp and running tummy and I should come get her...brought her home, she was just fine. No temp, no running tummy... nothing. Took her to the clinic they said she's just fine and dandy. Doctor checked her, no temp, no running tummy, nothing!!! Took her again yday(thurs) and they (daycare) said she had running tummy and I should come get her AGAIN...brought her home and she was just fine...doing great sef. So today I just didn't take her cos obviously she's reacting to something there which I do not know, and secondly, I didn't feel like being in a 'get up and go mode'. You know "Drop everything else you're doing and come and pick her now...". Weird isn't it. Very weird. Talk about stress.

Twas kinda stressful having to deal with that and then having a final on my hands with presentations and all. Who would have predicted that would have happened all around the day I had my final. Of course like most times I left a lot of work till the last minute. My daughter was all over the place, running...screaming...singing...jumping. Wasn't allowing baby to sleep. Therefore baby was crying and not allowing me to do my assignments. So in order to complete all the work I had before class, I had to 'back' him (kinda like using a baby sling) and kneel in front of my desk for hours (of course with eating breaks for both kids), so I could finish all the work I could. My knees and back hurt. lol. Wish I could have recorded (cam) it all. Twas really a funny sight. Hilarious.

Needless to say I came up a bit 'short'. I couldn't finish my status report, and I really didn't think it was a biggie since I did EVERYTHING else but when the time came to turn it in (in class), and the instructor asked us to present our status reports. Oh My gosh! It was so embarrassing having to explain that I didn't have it. The look on her face was awful and the dead silence was worse. The first thing she said was 'You have got to be kidding me, I cannot believe this'. Oops! by the end of the class and my really kool presentation she had smiles all over her face but I tell you, I won't forget that look for a while.

I always push myself and wasn't happy with that. My presentation and other papers were fab but the status report took away from it all a bit. Class was done at 9pm. Once I got home, I had to rush to complete it (kids asleep) and send it in before midnight. I wanted her to check her email in the morning and find it there. I think we should all strive for perfection in all that we do. A little thing can have such a great impact on a situation. Once you have started something, make sure you complete it WELL. Doesn't matter how good a job you've done with the rest. I knew that before, but just got reminded of it again yday. Big Time!

I just thank God for seeing me through the whole semester honestly. Makes me wonder how people without Christ live. The difference with Christ is clear. Even with the greatest challenges He just takes control and gives you grace, strength, joy, peace, so many things in one. He teaches, He guides. He's just too much "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him". Psalm 34:8

This weekend is going to be 'pumped'. We have our Annual Power Conference this weekend beginning from today and I trust that I will move to my next level of glory in Jesus name. Amen.

L8r

Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion. Isaiah 8 :18

Michael W. Smith - Agnus Dei

Hello Friend,

How are you doing today? Great I'm sure. I am so blessed to be a child of God and I love Him more than anything. Words cannot express how glorious praising God feels. Praise Him this morning with this song. Cry out to the Lamb today. He deserves ALL the praise. Alleluia!!! The Lord God Almighty reigns.

No matter where you are in the world today, pls take six(6) mins of your time to sing every word of this song to God this morning.

Have a blessed day.

System Down!

Hello Friend,

How are you dong today? I'm sure your weekend was great. I was going to upload a post on Saturday but I had problems with my system and still do. Had to back up my files and shut it down for now. I usually don't upload posts on Saturday but wanted to do a fun one with pictures and all. Well I guess we'll save that for another day. lol.

The semester is finally coming to an end on Thursday. Yipee!!! Just need to turn in the rest of my assignments, and give my powerful presentation lol. I haven't even started it yet. Need to get on it once I sign out.

Today is Monday, and I just want to encourage you this morning, that despite all that is happening around the world, God will grant us divine escape. Divine escape from all spiritual, physical, financial, marital, career, and environmental evil in Jesus mighty name. Amen. We 'prayed' this prayer in church and I tell you God is a faithful God. He has already done it.

Whatever trials and tribulations you may be going through. Classify it as a wind blowing for now. It will soon stop. It is a phase that you have to go through. With challenges come growth. It just like with a child. When my daughter was learning how to eat herself, it was a pain. She cried if I didn't feed her but I knew she had to learn to do it herself. Whenever I see her sit down now, and eat all by herself, it gives me great joy and best of all, she enjoys it now. It's the same way. The phases we go through may be painful now, but we have a faithful God, who will see us through. All we need to do is rely completely upon Him and follow in His ways.

In church, the month of September is our month of Divine Elevation. You will escape, and enter into your elevation in Jesus mighty name.

Have a blessed day.

L8r

As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." Romans 10:11

Faith!

Hello Friend,

How are you doing today? Great I'm sure. Been quite busy trying to round off for the semester, and also kick off plans for the biz I told you about. It can be very bothersome especially cos it entails trying to do biz 'over the sea' lol. Running a biz where you are is a lot of work, so you can now imagine trying to do it on another continent. Nija to be specific. I'm in the process of getting and interviewing staff amongst other PROCESSES (believe me there are a lot of processes). There is a Yoruba saying for the way I'm feeling right now (I hope I get the words right). 'O le ka yan la ya'. Meaning like 'it can overwhelm your heart'. But I have handed it all over to God. If I try to do it on the own, '... the arm of flesh will fail'.

We talked about faith at bible study yesterday. We've heard so many teachings on faith but we need to be reminded daily that we (believers) walk by faith, and not by sight 2 Cor 5:7. The moment you begin to rely on your sight, ability or flesh generally. You're on your own. We ought not to go by what we see, but by what we have read from the Word and heard from God. We need to believe it, and yeah believe it COMPLETELY.

Something Asst. Pastor said to remind us, is that every little doubt we have cancels out faith. Hmmm! You need to really think about that. I did. Does that mean a thought of doubt cannot come to our minds? Of course not. I think once the devil tries to sow a seed of doubt through our thoughts, we can counter-act that with the Word. No wonder, we are encouraged to have a word we are holding on to, concerning any situation. So that we can speak it continuously. Accepting the doubtful thought, and pondering upon it, is what we shouldn't do.

May God help us all in Jesus mighty name.

L8r

Quote!

“As you begin changing your thinking, start immediately to change your behaviour. Begin to act the part of the person you would like to become. Take action on your behaviour. Too many people want to feel, then take action. This never works.”

- John C. Maxwell

A!!!

Hello Friend,

How are you doing today? How was your weekend? Mine was great, Thank God. We are all well. Guess what? I have to start with this. You know I took my 'finals' for statistics on Monday. As strict as the instructor is, so is he efficient as you can imagine (those traits go together). Anyway... He usually posts results at the end of the week i.e. quizzes/tests, mid term exams etc. So when I got up on Saturday I knew the results would be there. You know the feeling I'm sure of 'the churn' in your stomach. Left it till late at night. Signed on to the intranet and with one eye closed scrolled down to where the results would be. It was an A. Praise God I screamed. Never thot I'd be that excited for a grade since I left college. It was tough, and several times I almost gave up and said 'look I'll just do what I can', or 'I can't even stress myself', or 'Let me just settle for a C or do the class again' but God gave me strength to strive for excellence, and He really did it all. I am so grateful.

We all have our desires, and God knows them. I really desire to finish with a 4. 0 average and I know God will do it. So far God has done it, and I know He will maintain it. Statistics threatened to bring it down, but God granted me Divine Escape. A couple of people told me they were repeating the class, and one even said it was his third attempt and that that was the reputation of the class. So I just bless God. "And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:" Deut 28:13 That is my prayer for you today as well.

Church was also great!!! During Sunday School, we had an interesting topic. How do we evangelise with the restrictive laws we have in place in this country? Well people gave a lot of answers and examples. At the end of the day, we learnt that we can evangelise in various ways without breaking rules and regulations e.g via the Internet (emails, web pages, blogs etc), via our daily conversations e.g use of consistent words like bless you, thank God etc, via things that are personal to us e.g stickers on our cars, posters in our offices or little things like those calendars with bible passages on our office tables, and soooooooo many others.

Like my Pastor in college would always remind us. We all have one major assignments on this earth. Preaching the word of God to men (i.e evangelism) He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation Mark 16:15 NIV. And for those in ministry, an additional assignment which is 'the perfection of saints' (i.e preparing God's people/'believers'). "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:" Eph 4:11-13 KJV Most importantly, we can evangelise through our works, our deeds, our actions.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" Matthew 5:16 KJV

"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity".1 Tim 4:12

There is no excuse for not preaching the good news. May God help us all in Jesus mighty name. Service was about 'how to enjoy Divine Escape by being an instrument of praise'. Be sure to check it out on the church link under 'my fave websites' .

Tis' the beginning of a great and blessed week, full of favor, divine escape and testimonies.

L8r.

Sup?

Hello Friend,

How are you doing today? It's so good to have family and friends from all over the world calling to make sure we're great. It really is. One of my big aunties called us and even said she'd come across this blog. Ain't that kool? I was so inspired honestly. It was really wonderful to hear, and I appreciated her comments.

I just finished one of my assignments right now. I know I'm always talking about assignments but that has been what I have to been rushing to do for the past two days so all my gist is centered around it for today lol. Besides you might just enjoy the gist. The assignment had to do with me being the imaginary project manager of a ship, yea... a cruise liner. Forget... I usually like such things but I do no like ships i don't know why. Never been interested in them except in movies and even in the movies the only ship movie I think I really like is 'the Poseidon adventure'. Maybe I need a ship cruise. lol. Anyway I had to come up with a number of plans required for the construction project i.e management wise. Was very boring. Best made-up project work so far for me was my work for the building of an oil pipeline in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. I had a blast cos I love oil and gas law (among other things) (lots of things lol). Okay let's leave school gist.

During bible study on Wednesday I learnt that in order for me to have Divine Escape I need to have Skill, Strength, Sense, Sharpness and Security. Rev Kolade highlighted various points from the life of David especially his war with Goliath. We are need to find skills that we have, he said find your 'giftings'. Have strength, be sensible (i.e. strategize, strategize, strategize), look sharp (make sure you look the part but not indulge in vanity), and remember that we are secure in God (He is our security).

Stay Blessed.

L8r

As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."Romans 10:11 NIV

Comfort!

Hello friend,

How are you doing today? I had originally planned to share about my day yday, and what I learnt at bible study but... Really sad day in Minnesota yday. A bridge collapsed and when I say collapsed, I mean collapsed. Very tragic. I really do not like situations like this (who does) but... I had been watching CNN most of the afternoon but then switched the TV off to go get ready for church. We left for church at about 6.30pm and by then the collapse had already happened (around 6pm) but we didn't know. It was when it was testimony time, that I heard about it cos some people who had taken the same route earlier or would have taken the route at the time, came to give God praise for sparing them. Praise God!

Condolences to all the families involved, May God grant them comfort during this tough time. We're still in a state of shock. At prayer meeting the day before (Tues) we were still just praying and thanking God for seeing us from July 1- July 31 and for allowing us see the beginning of yet another month. I tell you it is not automatic at all. We just go to work (or out generally) and come back safely without acknowledging God's guidance and 'guard'iance. But for the mercies of God, we'd be consumed.

Thank God for His mercies. Let's not take these things for granted. Another aspect I am passionate about is 'knowing Christ'. May we all know Christ and his salvation as WE OUGHT TO In Jesus mighty name Amen.

My prayer today is that of thanksgiving for preservation. August is our month of Divine Escape in my church and we really thank Him for His word.

Psalm 121
1I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
3He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
4Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
6The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
7The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
8The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Let that be your prayer (it is mine) this morning, and forever more. Amen.

L8r

My Own Song!

Hello Friend,

How are you doing today? I'm doing great thank God. New Month today. Praise God! My exam on Monday went well. When we got to class it took us about 15 mins to take our assessments for the class. We were then handed our exams and asked to turn then in at 10pm (so we basically had 3hrs 45 mins for 3 questions). I'm like I've got this. I should turn it in by 8.30 and go home early for once. (sigh). Turned in my paper at 10pm on the dot. Can you believe that!!! I used up ALL the time, and could have done with some more.

The look on the instructor face was not good as he had been pacing up and down the classroom, waiting for us to finish. I murmured a cheery 'sorry', 'have a great rest of the summer' and ran off. I was the second-to-the-last to hand in. Got into my car, and started singing my own worships songs. There are sometimes that the ones you listen to on your car stereo, or radio do not suffice. You have to raise your own. Handed it over to God as He is the only one who can make a way where there seems to be none.

Had a conversation yesterday with a friend in church before our prayer meeting, and he was inspiring me about going to law school here, and all that (considering that I studied Law). I was explaining to him about the disadvantages of doing the JD here (i.e for me oh), and why I had decided to deviate a bit. Explained part of my general strategy to him. We went back and forth about prospects both here in the US and in Nija. Generally brainstorming on what would be good for the future and all that. Talking about a number of important aspects of management and which is a best fit for top jobs like being a CEO etc. What I'm trying to get across is that, it's really good to have friends who are believers (i.e who are 'doers' of the word and not just 'hearers') and who are driven.

Your conversations are extremely productive, they can actually be life changing conversations. You can walk away from such a conversation knowing you have gained something as opposed to 'gainless' conversations. Indulging in long 'gainless' conversations is not healthy for a believer. Arguing hours, and hours, and hours, and not making head way is a waste of time and energy. In 10 mins we were able to sharpen our strategies. Not that I changed by mind, but I was able to 'modify my strategy' by leaving a gap just incase I decide to a JD here, in the nearest future. I have other things planned for now, but that inclusion would really go a long way. My Pastor would say make sure your friendships add to your christian life, and not subtract from it.

'Show me your friends, and I'll show you who you are'

May God help us all in Jesus mighty name. Remember Jesus is the greatest friend one can have.
L8r

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers Eph 4:29

But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Col 3:8

Let your conversation be without covetousness; Heb 13:5a

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Col 4:6

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity 1 Tim 4:12