RECIPE FOR SERVICE

Ingredients
- Prayer
- Thanksgiving
- Giving
- Tithes
- Offering
- Your gifts & abilities
- Study of the word
N.B: 1/2 cup can never bring out the flavour of 1 cup.
God wants your all, the whole 1 cup not 1/2.

Q: In cooking, why is one given a recipe? In maths, why do you make use of formulas?
A: We are given recipes & formulas to produce the desired results of the one who gave us the recipes & formulas.

Once you miss an ingredient or you mix up the measurements, you can be sure that you are not going to produce the desired results.
  This is the same with our lives: In offering a holy & acceptable service to God, you need to meet up with all the requirements, not partial or mixed up or imbalanced or incorrect, it has to be up to standard.

My Dear, God wants your all, He wants to be the driver of your life, of your destiny, not a backseat passenger.
  Jesus loves you deeply and He wants to help you.
He wants to drag you from the miry pit of confusion, blame, guilt, dissatisfaction that you have found yourself in, but He can't pull you out by holding your hair, it will hurt you, instead, He needs to hold your hands, so that it will be easier to pull you out.
  Don't you think that's great?

So, what are you waiting for, All those you thought could render help to you have failed, so why the hesitation?

NOTE OF WARNING:He won't always be around because time is running out!!!

UNFORGIVENESS:The One-way flight ticket to...

It was hidden so deep at a corner in my soul...I had even forgotten it was there. It didn't take much space and that was why I had gone a year with it unnoticed.

If I had died today, I definitely would have gone to hell,
"When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,
  idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,
  envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these.
  Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God." Galatians 5:19-21,NLT.
   and the unfortunate thing is that people would have been crying and thanking God that I made it to heaven whereas, I would have been languishing in hell...

I guess you already know what it is, It is UNFORGIVENESS...

I was reminded of the people still locked up in my heart and as I recalled the incidences, emotions that I didn't know existed started to spring up like bitterness, pain in my heart, sadness in mind, anger.
  It seemed like there were so many emotions that had been bottled and sealed up in my heart for so long...

I was about to start the blame game,"Why didn't I retaliate?","Why didn't I speak up?", "Why didn't I do this?" and "Why didn't I do that?", when the Holy Spirit reminded me of a book I was presently reading called "WHEN TO SPEAK UP & WHEN TO SHUT UP: Principles for conversations you won't regret" by Dr. Michael D. Sedler...

From the book, I learnt that because I was quiet when I should have spoken, I was now battling with the consequences, Unforgiveness, my one-way ticket to HELL.

Anyways, I asked God for the grace to forgive them, then, I (literally) said, "I forgive you, Auntie, I forgive you, Papa, I forgive you, Unclair. I forgive you with the whole of my heart".
   I know that sometimes, the pain or bitterness may want to surface whenever I reflect back but this is where the grace of God comes in, I would confess my weakness and take up God's strenght and I know in time, the pain and all that comes with it will fade out...

You know, Time + God on your side, heals all wounds...no matter how deep, so don't let the flies of sin pester on the wound and make it infected with the pus of Unforgiveness, so that you don't use your last cash to buy your one-way flight ticket to HELL, like I almost did....

Thank God for the Holy Spirit... Our Ever present help in time of need... (If you need more counselling in dealing with unforgiveness, walk up to any Christian book shop and ask for books on "Forgiveness", "Healing", coupled with your Bible, I believe that the Lord will do the unexpected in your heart). Shalom!

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28,NLT

TESTIMONY TIME, Blessings time!!!

Yesterday was certainly a day in my life, I pray to God not to forget or take for granted as time would soon eclipse it into the archives of past memories.

"Next, with a standing ovation, please, let us welcome our leaders of tomorrow, Nursery Two, for their presentation", said the MC of the occasion.
  Little pupils could be seen walking onto the stage, some timidly, some confidently, while some nonchalantly...This was the graduation ceremony of these pupils, with happy parents beaming with smiles.

The atmosphere was a happy one filled with occasional giggles here and there caused by the presentations from the children.
  Unfortunately, It was short-lived for me, as I had another appointment for 2pm, It was ten minutes to 2.
With a determined but unhappy push, I let myself out of the ceremony, out to the roads, straight for my next appointment.

Some minutes before 6pm, checking through my bag, I realised I had no suitable transport fare.
  So, the only money I had on me was this 100 naira note terribly torn on the sides and cellotaped in an outrageous manner, that it would take God for the conductor not to insult you and give you back....then, to worsen the case, I learnt that the tee fare was 150 naira.
  Already, I knew my fate, I needed a free ride, but how, and from who?

So, I looked up to heaven and told the Lord of my situation, I also told him that I did not want to beg any bus conductor and I wanted to go home in style.

Few minutes after 6pm, I am walking along the walkway leading to my departure bus-stop, dressed up in clothes that created this sophisticated look, also known as "The Ajebutter look", even though, on my insides, It was a different story entirely and you know why....

When, I got to the bus stop, I went straight into the first available bus. The bus started moving (and then, as if, the conductor was waiting for me), I heard," Who will collect this money, You better collect your money", the conductor was talking to a lady on the first row.

I was on the last row, I looked to my left, the man eating groundnut had paid, then, to my right, the conductor collected #500 naira from the man beside me. I am still wondering what to do when a fight breaks out with the conductor, the driver and other passengers.
  Sharply, I humbly turn to the man on my right,"Sir, please, my money is not good too,Please, can you pay for me?"...

The fight settles, the conductor turns to me, two seconds pass,"Take her fare from my change",says the man on my right.
"Ah, Thank you sir", this must be a dream, so I sit still through out the ride, so as not to break out of this dream, if it is one.
  This is Lagos, free fare, 150 naira, where?

I was expecting to hear,"Okay sister, let me have your number", Nothing! I occasionally make glances to my right but He's using his earpieces, Nothing, No request.

As I drop drown, I am still asking myself if it's a dream.
"Sister, sister, where?", the motorcyclists are shouting for attention, it's not a dream and this is when I realise my breathing just returned to normal.
This is a MIRACLE.

"God, you are great and everything written about you is great"... This is the song that has been playing through my mind till now (I told God I would share the Testimony, I hope it blesses your soul...)
  Don't you think God is great and a little faith can move mountains?

"That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life..Can all your worries add a single hour to your life?

And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.

Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.

Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." Matt. 6:25-30,17:20-21(NLT, NIV, KJV)

Your Identity!!!!

She needs your help desperately... Who?

She's your mother and she's also mine...
She's the soil for our Growth...
She's the space for our Expansion...
She's the steps to our Elevation..
She's the propeller behind our Inventions
She's the pride of our Hearts...

She's been beaten so hard by the sun,
Trespassed by men with ugly hearts,
Connived against, by deceiving suitors
Trampled upon, not once, not twice, by selfish souls, who care less for her welfare,

Adversities seem to pick her up as a toy,
Crack expensive jokes at the expense of her health,
Choke her with its chains of misery till her strenght is almost gone and she's no more fun,
Then, leave her to tend to her wounds and when she's fast recovering, comes back to play with her again

However, in the midst of all these... She stands tall with pride,
When she speaks, the others run for cover,
The hard beatings of the sun has turned her into a black beauty,
She can be seen a thousand miles away...

Yes, her heart has been broken several times, she has lost count,
but that did not change the nurture of a mother that she carries or the simple nod of approval of a father that she gives her children..

Unfortunately, at the moment, She's under attack,
An ambush is being set up for her,
She has no idea..and She desperately needs your help.

Without her, you have no identity,
You may run so far to avoid the troubles or calamities about to befall her,
But remember, a girrafe can not wash away his spots,
And a mother's call has the strongest link to the heart of her child...

"What can I do to help?" You ask me,
"Pray for her, Ask the Lord to arise on her behalf and fight for her
Let the sleeping Church wake up and pray,
Let intercessors like Daniel of Old, Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah arise and pray for her"

Who is this lady, you are curious to know...
Let your curiosity be filled to the brim and ask no more..
She's Nigeria, Our Motherland....

"Pray for peace in Jerusalem(Nigeria).
May all who love this city prosper."
Psalms 122:6,NLT

Check This Out...

PRAISE! PRAISE!! PRAISE!!!

FIRST LOVE!!!

It was a worship session, the whole place was jam-packed, from the first floor to the last floor. The entrance to this great, massive hall was blocked by a large number of people, some even took to the stairs, while some sat, others stood.

The stage was filled with colourful stage lights moving in different directions causing dramatic effects on whosoever was on stage.
  Gigantic screens could be seen, some, even plastered into the walls.
The sound systems were on point, you would feel like you could sing with the heavenly host, as every sound emanating from them was clear and strong.

As it seemed, we were all caught up in worship, when she walked past. The scent tracing her every step made anyone she passed, look to her direction.
  She was dressed in a fully embroidered clear turquoise blue gown(I think it must be silk), with her hair flowing down, She looked like an angel.

Still gaping at her beauty(wondering how God decided to make some people so beautiful, almost perfect), I looked around and noticed I was not the only one entranced.
  Yet, with all the attention, it seemed like she was oblivion to it. She raised her hands and joined in the worship session (Omg!!!! Her voice was sleek, like a bird, so beautiful).

"Well, I didn't come here because of her", I chided myself and got back to worshipping. I can't say how long the worship took but at some point, the atmosphere was getting charged, you could tell that the Holy Spirit was around.
  Some people started wailing, sobbing some shouting, some crying profusely and that was when I heard a loud thud not far from my position.

Ehn! I was a little disturbed by the sound, so, I opened my eyes to find the cause...

Our fine lady was shaking(*in my mind, Holy ghost, come upon me too) but then, the shaking didn't stop, instead, it became more violent(*Na wa o, the Spirit's hold must be strong on her).
   Then, her body started making cracking sounds like she was in excruciating pain (This can not be the Holy Spirit), then, white foam started pouring from her mouth.

Omo mhen, you need to see the speed at which men and women of every stature you can think of, started jumping seats; in less than 5secs, the whole row was empty.

People were shouting for help, some were taking her pictures(can you imagine?), some were calling her demon possessed, it was TERRIBLE.
  The medics rushed in and took her out on a stretcher, it was an embarrassing and shameful occurrence(I can't imagine her pain).....

"Write this letter to the angel of the church in Ephesus.
   I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance.
   But I have this complaint against you:
You walked away from your first love—Why?..." Rev. 2:1-4 NLT, MSG

Come with me and let me explain some things to you..
  Our fine lady is the Church(that is, The body of Christ, i.e, You & Me) while the onlookers is the World.

These days, the Church has been caught(continuously) in the mold of raising hands in worship, wearing the latest fashions, caring little for our soul which has been filled with worms and dirt, slowly eating away our inside making us into an institution of rules & words that carry no power or life.

From the outside, when people see us, they see us "skalaboshing" (i.e, Speaking in tongues) yet, with no positive or re-generated effect on our attitudes or character.
  The most holy of men are the most cankerous of men.

Jesus is calling out to his betrothed wife: The Church, to come back to her first love;
Let our hearts be filled once again with the Joy of Salvation that has grown cold overtime;
Let our lips be filled with songs coming out from a heart of worship and gratitude to the Lord Most High.
Let our lives be filled with light that we may show men the direction to the Ultimate Light: JESUS.

Jesus is calling out to YOU and to ME and He says:
"My Love, return back to your first love, let's have a relationship, deeper than religion, richer than the teachings of men; full of light, love, understanding, trust, sincere hearts....."

He Says: Let's go back to the beginning, My Love....Shalom!

WHO IS YOUR ENEMY?

Do you know that Iya Ajoke, Mr Simeon, Mrs Belinda, your in-laws, your supervisor at work, your neighbour, your spouse, your parents and anybody else you consider to be your enemy is not your enemy at all.

No matter how wicked, inconsiderate, immature, devilish the person might behave to you, you have just ONE enemy.
  It is that ONE enemy that is simply working through them to get at you.

The enemy is using them because they allowed it, the only issue where human beings come in and receive judgement is when they are aware that the enemy is using them and they don't repent.

"So, Who is the enemy? Are you sure, it's not those witches in the village or that our great-great-grandfather that laid a generational curse?"
  Come, let me show you the enemy, your enemy:
"For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies(i.e, human beings, your fellow men and women), BUT against:
-Evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world(You can't see them),
-Mighty powers in this dark world,
-Evil spirits in the heavenly places(They are beyond your reach)".Eph. 6:12,NLT

Yes, these are our enemies all working under one being, Satan(a.k.a The Accusers of brethens, The Old Serpent, The devil, etc.) *So, this is WAR!!!

However, we are not left defenceless or clueless on what to do(Hallelujah!).
Look here:
  "Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil."(Eph. 6:11, NLT)
You will be needing these:
-The Bullet proof vest of Righteousness
-The Belt of Truth
-The Boots of Peace(that comes from the Good News)
-The Shield of Faith
-The Helmet of Salvation
-The AK-47 Rifle of the Spirit(that is, The Word of God).
Then, you can't afford to forget basic necessities like PRAYER, especially, Prayer done in the Spirit (that is, Speaking in tongues, as the Holy Spirit gives you utterances).Eph. 6:13-18,NLT(paraphrased)

You need to be alert at all times, because:
"...Our great enemy, the devil. He prowls around LIKE a roaring lion(He's not the lion, there is only one lion, i.e, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah), looking for someone to devour".(1 Peter 5:8, NLT)

So, the next time, you are tempted to call another human being(like yourself) an enemy.
Simply bind the enemy(the Devil) working through the person, and cancel his works in the name of Jesus.

NOTE: Jesus did not say "Get thee behind me, Peter"...He said, "Get thee behind me Satan".
Rebuke the enemy(Satan) not the person!
Shalom!