tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47096113455124650242024-03-13T02:23:46.157-07:00Reading4joyEsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-37421353795268711712021-08-01T10:58:00.002-07:002021-08-01T11:01:22.055-07:00DELIBERATE DETERMINED STEPS.<div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">2Timothy 3:1 "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come."</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Turmoils, hunger, insurgencies, epidemics are some of the common place occurrences in our world today. We are indeed in perilous times. All over Africa, these are difficult times. As we talk of imminent famine in Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia and Nigeria, among many others, we skip outside the continent to Venezuela where over 90% of the oil-rich country cannot afford three meals a day. India, Brazil, Haiti are not faring better. Terrorist groups like Boko Haram, Fulani Militia, Al - Shabab, ISIS, Al - Queda and many others are on the rampage all over the world. Indeed we can echo the words of the English poet, T.S Eliot, and say "things have fallen apart; the Centre cannot hold. The falcon cannot hear the falconer. Sheer anarchy is loosed on the world."</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">In the midst of all these, what is the Christian attitude? It is pertinent to examine this because when people are hungry and angry, they look for victims to vent their anger upon. Usually, Christians and Jews are the soft targets! We have seen thousands of Christians displaced from their homes. We have seen thousands of Christian women deprived of their husbands who were slain or butchered like cows. In Iraq, Syria, Nigeria, and many other countries, this is happening on a daily basis. At such a time like this in the past, brother Peter the Apostle wrote: 1 Pet 2:21 "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps." Following His steps in a determined, deliberate and intentional walk.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">His steps? Yes. He had a focus, Heaven. That was all that mattered to Him, pleasing His Father in heaven. He said my Father works so I work. He said I have a baptism to be baptized with and how I constrained myself. He said my will is to do my Father’s work and finish it. We must make heaven our goal, our ultimate focus. He had regular recourse to the place of prayer to commune with His Father. We must be deliberate in carving out time to be with Him in the place of prayers and study of the word. He shunned all appearances of evil and lived above board to the extent that He could claim: the enemy came and found nothing in me.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Holiness must be our watchword. The Bible warns us: "without holiness, no man shall see God." People of God, let us be sober and do what we can for the Master, for the night comes when no man can work. The rate at which people of God are being taken up to heaven is alarming. The night may come for us sooner than expected. In keeping close to God in prayers and Bible study on a daily basis, He will guide us into steps to take in these perilous Times. The wickedness of the wicked cannot escape God. Let us listen to His directives and take the counsel of good old Mary: "whatever He says, do it." The victory of the cross is assured. People who don’t know our God are rejoicing at our temporary travails. But watch it, our God shall arise, and that very soon. For us, determined, and deliberate walk with the Master. Those who have ears should hear what God’s Spirit is saying to the church. Maranatha!</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">‘Bayo Famonure.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">P.S. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">You asked for this some time ago. I wrote it within one week of your request but I left the last paragraph till today (31st July, 2021) to make it a birthday gift. Happy birthday </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Uncle Bayo</div><div dir="auto"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /></div><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-55984046699558148912021-01-17T15:42:00.006-08:002021-01-17T15:42:35.204-08:00 RESOLVING THE TREND OF DIVORCE IN OUR SOCIETY PART 11<p> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0cm;">One
of the ministers on the platform expressed his own plans too. According to Reverend
K.O:</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">1.
As a pastor of a local assembly, I dedicate one Sunday in two months to
emphasize the importance of Godly homes to the church and society and the evil
consequences of divorce on th</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">e family, (children and the couple), Church and the
society.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">2. I will also
influence my pastor friends to do something to check the trend of divorce in
their respective sphere of influence.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Mrs. R.D. raised
a very important point. She said, “Most of our Church Marriage Counsellors are
not trained, and so cannot give professional counselling beyond their
expertise. There's the need for trained counsellors to be part of the Marriage
Committee in our churches, and be easily accessible for people to benefit from
their services.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">From my experiences
both as a growing child, and in my marriage, I desire to have a blog where I
can post materials on staying together in marriage. “You fall in love to
get married, but you grow in love to stay married,” she concluded.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> Mrs. Ade is
of the opinion that looking at the rate of divorce in our society, it is
obvious that many couples are not genuinely born again, and some are still
babies in Christ, even though they might have been in the church for several
years. Therefore, the need for salvation should be made very clear to our
church members.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Also, some Churches
do not take Marriage counselling seriously, so some couples did not have any
counselling knowledge as regards marriage. All they are after is the wedding
day not knowing that marriage is more than that. Churches should endeavour
to train godly couples to serve as marriage counsellors in their Marriage
Committees. She stated further that some sisters lack home training, for
example in the area of cooking and since men generally love good food, this can
cause friction in the home and subsequently end in divorce, if the wife refuses
to improve. There’s no harm in attending a short course in Cookery and home
management, so as to add taste to their family life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">In her concluding
statement, she encouraged all Christians to pray for troubled marriages. She
wrote, “if there is any family/home that we know which is passing through a hard time, let us intervene prayerfully and God will back us up and give them
victory in Jesus name.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">According to sister
E, we should “pray that their eyes of understanding will be flooded with
light.” When this is done based on the word of God, couples will never see
divorce as an option.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">In her own words,
Mrs. F. B. opines:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 54.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -36.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Anyone who is ready for marriage should be able to define what she or he
wants and how to achieve such without allowing any distraction.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 54.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -36.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">From the onset, the ways of the Lord should be inculcated in our
relationships and children should be guided in like manner.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 54.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -36.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">There is a need for understanding spiritual warfare in every area of
marital life, especially when there’s a particular trend in any of the couple’s
family history.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 54.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -36.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">iv.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Regular talks and seminars on Marriage should be put in place in our
churches.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 54.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -36.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">v.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Christians should serve as Role Models and example of believers in all
things.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 54.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -36.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">vi.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Above all, if any marital challenge is becoming life-threatening, the couple can be counselled to consider living separately until a solution is found,
or provided. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 17.85pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">This is suggested because there has
been cases of a partner killing his or her spouse because there’s serious
tension in their relationship and any little provocation can trigger violent
outburst which may go beyond their control, and subsequently results in one
partner killing the other.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><a name="_GoBack"></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">CONCLUSION</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">In conclusion, I will
like to encourage us to meditate on the afore-mentioned points carefully and
prayerfully. The power is in our hands to stop this evil trend as children of
God. Healthy families will result in healthy Nations. Despite the fact that in
some churches, couple-to-be are taken through Pre-Marital Counselling classes
for three to six months, some people still build on a false foundation due to a deceitful lifestyle</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">. According
to Mrs. D, there was the case of a couple who after going through Church
Counselling got married, but after some time the lady found out that where
the husband was staying was his friend’s apartment. Unfortunately, that was the
end of that marriage. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What stopped them from discussing
that problem before marriage? So Counsellors have a lot to do mostly in the
area of teaching. The foundation of every Christian home is Christ. He
should be our first lover. Couples must trust God and be ready to adjust wherever
possible. God sees and understands our pains, we must embrace forgiveness all the time! Let us rely on God to help us
through the journey of life. <span style="color: #222222;">May His work in our
hands continue to flourish as we await His coming. Shalom.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-25990034643293361592021-01-17T15:24:00.003-08:002021-01-17T15:45:45.161-08:00RESOLVING THE TREND OF DIVORCE IN OUR SOCIETY PART 1<p> <b style="text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">INTRODUCTION</span></b></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Sometimes in the
year 2020, during the Corona Virus pandemic, a lot of Ministries/Churches
resulted in online programmes since it became impossible for people to assemble
in their Churches and Fellowship halls. As Joyful Callers Counselling Ministry,
the Lord laid it on our hearts to run online teaching, so we came up with a
WhatsApp teaching group tagged “Free Counselling Class.” We had fifty-three registered
participants from six countries, which was quite encouraging. Cross-fertilization of ideas from different worldviews also added value to our
discussions to the glory of God. Different topics were discussed over a period
of six weeks (Wednesday evenings only). One of the issues we dealt with was the issue of divorce. This was a big concern to us seeing the increasing rate
of divorce in our societies. We were not just interested in discussing various
factors that are responsible for divorce, rather we are more interested in
suggesting ways of combating this menace so that we can all enjoy a more
stable family life where our children can be brought up in the way of the Lord,
and grow up to become responsible citizens of our beloved countries.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Therefore, I asked
the participants on the platform to share with us their own resolutions on how
to reduce the menace of divorce in our societies. The edited responses are
hereby presented.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Mrs. A. A opined,
“By the grace of God, my resolution is to put more efforts into what I am
currently doing in the area of Christian Parenting in the 21st Century
(WhatsApp platform). I believe that the decadence of our society streams from
homes. Therefore the home front needs healing. The home front needs fixing. We
need to go back to our first love where Christ is modeled before the children,
as the head of the home.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Another person states
thus: Children are silent observers to their parents' marriages. Opinions and mindsets
are formed early, often strongholds are formed in their subconscious young
minds that ultimately deeply influence their own attitudes to the institution
of marriage. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that a son who grew up seeing
his father beat up his mother, often replicates the same abuse in his marriage, but
for the grace of God. A daughter who watched her father unleash various forms
of domestic abuse upon her mother may be completely turned off towards the
institution of marriage, because why would she want to suffer a similar fate?
Such reasons have been implicated in late marriages, marital problems and
consequent divorce.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<td nowrap="" style="padding: 0cm; width: 377.2pt;" valign="top" width="503">
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I believe strongly that, “there is a place of personal responsibility in marital harmony and success. A married couple should also be continually aware of this fact, that their attitudes and actions in their marriage are a constant lesson to their children and impressionable young minds in their sphere of influence and thus, strive to set a good example. To stem the tide of divorce in society, the change must begin within. – Dr. O.O<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Some others believe that Forgiveness helps to keep us in the right direction with the Holy Spirit, and gives us a
peaceful mind. Also when God sees our willingness to forgive, He helps us further without much effort on our side. Unfortunately, we are not willing to take the pain to forgive at times because we don’t fully understand the good that comes from forgiveness. Forgiveness is a strong foothold for the Holy
Spirit to do wonders. Forgiveness brings healing and it repairs our relationship with God and with one another. It brings a refreshing to the soul. Therefore, a godly way to resolve divorce is for couples to embrace the virtue of FORGIVENESS. Forgive your partner as God forgives you. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Mummy O. O. presents her own
views in the following words:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">1. Parental care
and teaching of moral values, cultural values, and most importantly Godly values
from the Bible must be taken seriously.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">2. Teaching the
young ones before marriageable age the value and permanence of marriage. This
is very important because we are in an age where singles (male and female) see a marriage relationship as one that can be dissolved at will. If it works, fine,
if it doesn’t work we call it quits. Any couple that enters into a marriage
relationship with such a bias may likely not endure, and adjustment will almost
be at zero levels. We need to teach our children that marriage is God’s idea,
not man’s, and He meant for it to be permanent, only death is allowed to separate
the couple.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">3. Praying through
for the deliverance of homes and stoppage to activities of home enemies through the
blood of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">4. Organising Counselling and teaching sessions for couples as regards God’s word concerning
marriages and keeping the homes secure will also help.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">5. Discipleship
sessions for converts after they might have experienced the salvation of their souls
will help people to value God’s word in all circumstances of life..<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">6. Living an
exemplary Godly life worthy of emulation will equally help.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">In adding her own
voice to this all-important, life-saving discussion, Mummy </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Y. M, wrote, “</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">As an individual,
who is in the Marriage Counselling committee of my local assembly, I have
resolved to continuously counsel intending couples never to consider divorce as
an option and to let them know about all the people that will be affected
negatively if there is a divorce in a home.” This is a very healthy step to take
because many people only think about their own selfish desire to have their way
at all cost, forgetting that many people are tied to their lives. For instance,
what becomes of the children after a divorce case? What about the mental health
of the partner who never anticipated such disruption to his or her life’s
journey? People must learn to sit back and think meditatively on the wor</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">d
of God in Malachi 2: 16, “… <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">For the LORD
of Israel says that He hates divorce.</i>”</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Mrs. Y. Y. B’s
resolve is this, “to advise intending couples to be friends first before
marriage. This will help them overcome issues like communication gaps which
open the door to several other problems. If there is genuine communication and
bonding, divorce will not come to play.” Mrs. A.A. asserts, “I am trusting God
to help my children and all other people that God is sending to me, to get it
right before marriage, to go for pre-marital counselling, and to take it seriously.”
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">A pastor who is serving in a Franco-phone context
puts it this way, “In the culture where I am, marriage is a contract and not a
covenant. So the issue of divorce is not an issue with them at all.” There are
certain foundations laid that do not allow marriage to take place at all, if
eventually it does, divorce is at the corner if the couples do not pray very
well. So we need to tackle divorce spiritually than physically. Also, courtship
before marriage is very important, and during courtship, there should be no sex.
Once a would-be couple is involved in sex it is a sin against God, and it
covers errors. A faulty foundation that is! It is advisable that the couple
should be attending Marriage seminars together so that they can learn how to
please God in their homes. That will help a lot to curb this menace. – Pastor
E.U.J<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-53595949671617502372021-01-06T14:06:00.000-08:002021-01-06T14:06:38.460-08:00VISION 2021: CLARITY OF VISION IS KEY!<p> </p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 35.7pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">(</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Commissioned Message by Dr. Esther Adenike Luogon, President of Joyful
Callers<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Counselling Ministry-
http:www.joyfulcallers.org)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">(Habakkuk 2: 1-3)<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">2:1- </span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to
see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">2:2 </span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">–And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain
upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">2:3</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">- For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end, it shall
speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come,
it will not tarry.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Beloved. What is the Vision? What did
God show you for the year 2021? Not what others are showing you on their
posters and platforms! It is important to see right and to see clearly. Write
the Vision! Make it clear! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CLARITY OF
VISION IS THE KEY FOR 2021! It may not appeal to your senses! It may even look
‘insignificant!’ This can’t make our Ministry ‘fly’ or popular! Who owns the
Ministry? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your vision or God’s vision!
Those Goals and Vision statement for the year 2021!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who owns them? You or Papa God? That’s where
many of us miss it. May God help us to hear Him clearly, See the Vision
clearly, and Run with the Vision with all our Strength. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Worries and anxieties about how to
achieve those gigantic visions may not be necessary if indeed the Vision is
from Above! Let’s look inwards beloved. What exactly did God call you to do for
Him? He called you to be an Evangelist to the dying world. But you have chosen
your own path of planting Churches and settling down as the “Great” Servant of
God. Now you are full of Complaints and Confusion! You caused it friend! Go
back to the ‘original Commission!’ The pattern God showed you when He called
you. I understand the struggle of support. Yes! It is still part of the journey
to pleasing the Lord. Trust Him Always! “God’s work, done in God’s way, will
never lack God’s supply, “opines the Missionary Statesman, Hudson Taylor.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">LET THE VISION BE CLEAR & LET US FOCUS ON THE VISION HE GAVE US FOR
2021. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 72.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">MARANATHA! MARANATHA! </span></b></p>Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-44167079456429364162020-07-07T04:53:00.002-07:002020-07-07T04:53:32.959-07:00MOTHER, BE GENTLE ON YOUR GIRL-CHILD!<br />
<br />
Most mothers are highly protective of their daughters. The reason is obvious. They are conscious of the fact that female children are fragile, and they need to handle them with care. Many of us have heard many ugly stories of how some girls were raped by boys, who sometimes were their school mates or close relations such as uncles, cousins et cetera, and how some shameless men had abused young girls in time past. All such stories can create fear in the heart of mothers because every mother wants the best things in life to happen to her girl-child.<br />
In order to prevent their daughters from men who may want to take undue advantage of them, some mothers turn out to be very tough on their daughters. It’s good to exercise discipline, but let it be motivated by love. Be a friend to your girl child, and in fact become her best friend. I was in a cab one day and I overheard a woman telling her friend that, "I told my daughter, I am not your friend, I am your mother." Well, I guess she had her reasons for saying that, but I am afraid, she may lose the confidence of that daughter. She may never open up to her mother even while in crisis. psychologically, she has been injured by that statement.<br />
<br />
Some Christian mothers think that once they conduct morning devotions as a family, go for church services with the children, automatically the children should embrace Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Sorry, it is not always so. Prayerfully and personally introduce your child to Jesus Christ, the Saviour. Some of the children even follow you to church just to satisfy you and be free of your many questions. Have you cared to find out what they do in church?<br />
<br />
During a Sunday service, a teenage girl sat next to me and was very busy on her phone. Sometimes, one assumes that the fellow may be reading the bible using the phone, but that day I noticed that she was actually chatting. I then asked her what she was doing and like an innocent child she said, “I am chatting with my brother.” I asked her further, “Where is he?” and she replied, “He is overseas.” I was careful not to be hard on her, but I simply warned her that we are in the presence of God, so she should stop chatting. Thank God she listened to an elder’s warning. She stopped and said, “Thank you ma.” Some others could be chatting with some boys who could easily deceive them into nefarious activities.<br />
Mother, give your daughter more time. Talk as friends, do a lot of gists together, laugh together, tell her life stories about yourself and others. Tell her about life and how wicked it can be sometimes, and as she listens to you, encourage her to ask you questions, and gently provide her with helpful answers. Allow her to share her thoughts and fears with you. In fact let her be aware that some bad fathers had abused their daughters, and some even impregnated their own daughters. Recently on social media, a woman was heart-broken as she found out that her two daughters were impregnated by her son, who is their own brother. What a sad story!<br />
<br />
Mother, be the first person to teach your daughter about sex education. Don’t wait until she learns the wrong things from outsiders. Teach her about human anatomy, and instil confidence in her to resist any careless touch of any part of her body by the opposite sex. When she is still young, between ages 2 and 6 or thereabout, tell her not to sit on the laps of boys and men, and encourage her to report to you any male that tries to force her into doing that. You know the danger as an adult, but she doesn’t know, please protect her.<br />
Remember, dear Mother, in trying to train this precious gift of God, be gentle and be loving. If she cannot discern love through your actions, she can turn rebellious once she leaves the confines of your home and may decide to go against all your orders. This is why it is very important to pray to God to save the lives of these young ones. May God help all mothers to be godly examples to their children. Amen.<br />
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Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-1583780971012551372020-06-25T06:01:00.000-07:002020-06-25T06:01:20.469-07:00 BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT CROSS-CULTURAL COUNSELLING!<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
discussing this topic, I will be sharing some case studies across cultures so
as to prepare us to be culturally sensitive, BUT BE BIBLICALLY RELEVANT. We
need to understand where people are coming from and what is obtainable in their
cultures for us to have meaningful counselling sessions with them, or else we
shall be guilty of judging other people’s cultures and that may be counter-
productive. People come from different places, and cultures vary from place to
place. For instance, in a particular East African country, it is not strange for
a single unmarried lady to invite a single unmarried man to a restaurant for a lunch
break. She will pay for the food and they will keep chatting. It depends on
her, that may happen one or more times, but at a time she chooses, she can just
slip a piece of paper into the man’s hand telling him about her intention, and requesting
for a meaningful relationship. It is culturally acceptable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In some
other cultures people will look at such practice with disdain. One will hear
comments such as, Why must a lady be the first to ask the man for friendship?
She is making herself too cheap or is she frustrated? The culturally acceptable
way is for the man to be the one to ask the lady for her hand in marriage.
That’s another cultural perspective. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In some parts
of India, in the continent of Asia, there’s what is called an “arranged marriage,”
whereby the parents will be the one to search for a suitable man for their
female child and the couple-to-be will only meet each other on the wedding
day. No courtship. The wife is the one to pay the dowry to the husband, whereas in
some other cultures, when a man matures and desires to marry, he will be the
one to search for a lady to marry, and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the
man will be the one to pay the bride-price to the wife’s family. The latter is
very common in many parts of Africa. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yet, among a particular tribe in the Northern part of Nigeria, in the continent of Africa,
it is cultural for the parents of the lady to buy many items that she will
carry to the husband’s house. This includes but not limited to, bed and
mattress; refrigerator, Gas cooker and gas cylinder, plates, and cutlery sets;
wrappers <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">et cetera.</i> If you are not
from such a culture, you will likely ask the question, “So what then is the man
supposed to buy if the wife is expected to furnish the house? That’s the
culture! Most times the husband already possesses all those stuff in his house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What is the essence of all these case studies and many more that you will come across? This
is to help us understand the fact that people are from different places, and
worldviews are not the same. This understanding will help us to know that as
counsellors, we shall be faced with cases that will make us marvel, or a little
bit confused sometimes. This is why we need the help of the Holy Spirit as we
try to help others manage their issues of life. We must be conscious of the
word of God, and we must equally be prayerful as people open up their hearts
during Counselling sessions. It is important to seek to understand the
counsellee’s cultural perspective and what he or she understands with regard to
God’s position concerning his/her matter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For example,
there’s a tribe (name withheld) where it is culturally acceptable to fornicate,
but adultery is forbidden once a person is married. In fact, a single girl is
expected to have one or two children before she can be considered suitable for
any suitor. You raised your eyebrow I guess! Yes, that is the culture! Once she
has a child or two, it is believed that she is fertile and will surely produce
children by the time she is married. The truth remains that this is against the
word of God. Fornication is a sin. God will judge fornicators and adulterers.
(Hebrews 13:4). We should be bold enough to declare the truth, in love. It is a
myth that if a single girl gives birth, it is certain that she will be
productive as a married woman. It is God that gives children to people. A
Christian counsellor must be versed in the word of God, be able to interprete
the scriptures correctly, and apply God’s word appropriately. May the Lord help
us with this noble assignment. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-34211498369754951512020-06-04T14:05:00.000-07:002020-06-04T14:05:11.993-07:00WHY DO YOU GET OFFENDED WHEN “A FRIEND” WALKS OUT OF YOUR LIFE?<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0cm;">God is our
creator and He had a relationship with the first man, Adam, and later with Eve.
In Genesis 3: 9, “</span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0cm;">Then the LORD God
called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you</i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0cm;">?” To me, that’s a language
of love and friendship in many circles, but at God’s appearance, Adam was hiding
this time around. Why? He was hiding because of his sin of disobedience to God’s
command.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As people rightly
claim, Christianity is not a religion, but a personal relationship with God, through the
Lord Jesus Christ. Our father in heaven is the author of relationship and as
His children, we too long for relationships always. So we cannot blame anyone
for desiring to have a relationship with other people. Unfortunately, many of us
feel disappointed when the people we call our friends try to walk away from our lives for reasons best known to them. My question is, Why do you feel offended? I think you feel offended when you reflect on the things you have done to assist that fellow, or what that friendship has cost you over time, such as money, time, and
resources. Maybe some secrets shared in confidence<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> et cetera. </i>Who owns your time, money, and resources? It is God! So
release those pains from your heart. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I think we
should learn to accept people as they are. We need to realize that God brings
people into our lives at different seasons of life, for different reasons. Our
acknowledgement of that truth will free us from undue stress. What I am
sharing with you here has helped me greatly. By the grace of God upon my life, I
love relating with people. Even when I meet people for the very first time in
some instances, they just open their hearts as it were to me, and we will begin
to discuss deep issues of life. Personally, I am awed at the way God does it and
upon reflection, I have asked myself, “Why did this person pour out his or her
mind this way? I realize that it is not about me, it is about the great God
that I am representing here on earth. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some of the
friends you meet will be available for some time and suddenly you notice
that one or two of them is seemingly tired of your usual concern. When you even
try to put a call across to her/him, she/he does not like picking your calls again, and
when you send short messages to her/his phone, it is either you receive no reply or
she/he manages to drop two or three words. Initially, you want to make an excuse
for her, “Oh, maybe she is very busy, or maybe she is stressed.” Beloved, why
not watch the handwriting on the wall? She/he needs her/his space, please allow her/him to
go. Remember, there was no misunderstanding between you, it’s just that she/he just switched off, please release her/him to enjoy her/his freedom. Maybe if she/he needs
you at another season of her/his life, she/he may reconnect, and in that case, gladly
receive her/him, provided you are still available. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I love the
the way a friend describes it in her book, *the three levels of relationships – the
Leaves relationship; the Stems relationship and the Roots relationship. Some
people breeze in and breeze out, (Leaves); Some move into your life just to
fulfill God-assigned tasks and they are gone forever (the Stems), while some
become part of your life in summer and in winter, in joy and in sorrow (the
Roots).</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(*Grace
Olanike Ijaopo, 2019. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Flourishing Life:
60 keystones to living in abundance</i>. Help-Line Foundation International,
Ibadan, Nigeria.)</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prayerfully
identify the kind of friends God is bringing your way. A clear understanding of
this write-up should free you from some of those pains and guilt feelings. You
don’t have to offend people before they move away from you, they may not be
designed to be there for life. Only Jesus can be with you forever. If any
offence is involved, then settle it and forgive each other. A misunderstanding
of the three levels of relationships can make you lose a true friend that God
is sending your way, I mean if a “Leave friend” has left you and you get so
bitter, and you then generalize that all friends are like that, when the “Root
friend” is brought your way, your mind may not be clear enough to welcome the
person. Friend, in all things, give thanks.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">N.B. Please contact us at Joyful Callers Counselling Ministry for your
questions, comments and Counselling needs @ WhatsApp +(234) 813-814-3021<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or send an email to </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="mailto:joyfulcallers@gmail.com">joyfulcallers@gmail.com</a>. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>JESUS CHRIST HEALS!</span></b></div>
<br />Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-85096113806355679222020-05-31T07:04:00.000-07:002020-05-31T07:04:05.976-07:00HUMILITY IS PRICELESS<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Two Case
studies briefly: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One day, I attended a church convention, where some guest ministers have been
invited. Just before the sermon delivery on this particular day, there was a
Music ministration by one of the prominent gospel artists in the country. It
was such a powerful ministration that the atmosphere of the church was well
charged, and we felt the presence of God no doubt. Personally, I felt that the
meeting of that day had reached its zenith and that we should just close the
meeting in prayers. But remember, I was not in charge. The Church pastor
invited the guest speaker to mount the pulpit in order to deliver God’s word to
the people. The preacher in question did not consider the fact that he came
from another city so as to preach in that convention, he recognized the move of
God among His people. In a few words, he acknowledged that indeed God has blessed
His people that night, and he led the congregation in a closing prayer. You may
want to ask, “What happened to the sermon already prepared by him for the
occasion?” In my own understanding, he handed it over to God in all humility. I
can imagine what went on in his mind that day. Could it be something like this?
“God, you have done your work here tonight. I worship you, Lord!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The second
case study: I was invited to minister at a church in Lagos, and we had a
discussion on “Cross-cultural principles to marital success.” I was given about
30 minutes to do that, after which the general overseer was to come up to
preach his Sunday sermon. That’s ok. I tried to keep to time as my usual
practice, but when the leader assessed the level of interaction of the church
members he extended the time. After I completed my God-given assignment, I
stepped down from the pulpit, for the general overseer. To my surprise, the man
of God told the members that it was obvious that the Lord has spoken to all of
us already, and there was no need for any other sermon. He then prayed, after
which he intimated the members with the announcements.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These case
studies are to draw our attention to the height of humility that was displayed
by the two servants of God that were affected. My question is this? If you
happen to find yourself in the shoes of any of those Church leaders, will you
respond the same way or will you insist that you must still preach your own
sermon for the day? Well, if God leads you to go ahead to preach after such
powerful presence of His, it is not a sin, but be sure He is the one leading
you to do it, and not your flesh. May the Lord clothe us with His humility, in
Jesus’ name. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-27179660039819519542020-05-29T08:53:00.000-07:002020-05-29T08:55:05.771-07:00A CALL TO HOLINESS: KEEP YOURSELF PURE - PART II (for married men and women)<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“A woman confessed to her husband one day that all the
four children in the family actually belong to another man...” She claimed to
have become a born again Christian and she couldn’t continue with the feelings
of guilt.” Ah! Adultery! Woman! Very sad story, but true!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mr. Man, how will you feel if your wife finds out that
you are having “an affair” with another woman? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Madam, will your husband shake your hand and
congratulate you if he finds out that you are in an intimate relationship with
another man?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I believe your guess is as good as mine. You will be
full of rage (a fit of intense anger); disappointment, confusion, a lot of unanswered
questions. Well, the list is endless. This may degenerate into verbal abuse,
fighting and injuring your partner, and in an extreme case it can lead to
divorce. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yet, we hear and read ugly stories about married men
and women who are having “affairs” Let’s address it the Bible way, they are
living in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">adultery</b>. It doesn’t matter
whether you are into a physical sexual affair, an emotional affair, or a virtual
one (social media stuff). As far as God is concerned, Adultery is SIN. No
excuses. It is clearly written in God’s word, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You shall not commit adultery</i>.”(Exodus. 20:14). It is explained
further in the gospel of Matthew, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You
have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’
But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already
committed adultery with her in his heart.</i>” (5: 27-28). Ah! Is it that
serious? Yes, it is a very serious matter. Maybe you need to read what Jesus
said in the gospel of Mark, chapter 10, verses 11 and 12, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">So He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another
commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries
another, she commits adulter</i>y.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People of God, let
us fear God. Some people are afraid of sexually transmitted diseases, but they
do not fear God, and that informed their sinful lifestyles. The infections can
be treated no doubt, but sin will send you to hellfire. FLEE! Let’s conclude
by reminding ourselves that “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The fear of
LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His
commandments. His praise endures forever</i>.” (Psalms 111:10)<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-22972243830868729282020-05-09T04:22:00.000-07:002020-05-09T04:23:37.439-07:00 A CALL TO HOLINESS : KEEP YOURSELF PURE - PART I (for spinsters and bachelors)<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">In present times, it is sad to note that
many of our youth no longer consider pre-marital sex as SIN. To some, it is a
normal practice and to show that one is enjoying life. Unfortunately, that is
deception from the pit of hell. Any youth that embraces an immoral lifestyle is
destroying both his present and future life. Some years ago, a spinster asked
me a question, “Antie, do you think a lady can get a man to marry without allowing
him to have sex with her before marriage?” My simple reply was, “Yes.” But if
he insists, then “Such a man is not your husband, if he is, he will wait until
you both are wedded.” The word of God makes it clear that Fornication is a sin.
“Now the body is not for fornication (sexual immorality) but for the Lord, and
the Lord for the body.” (I Cor. 6: 13b). These are the struggles the young ones
are grappling with in our days. Has God changed His standard of holiness? Not
at all! Youths are admonished to, “Flee fornication (sexual immorality). Every
sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins
against his own body. (I Cor. 6:18).</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">As part of the divine task given to
Joyful Callers Counselling Ministry, we visit Secondary Schools to challenge
students about their studies and we also give moral instruction. On an occasion
I was warning the female students against unwanted pregnancies as a result of
careless living, but to my surprise, the principal sought permission to share a
story with us which shook me as a person. I learned that present-day girls who
commit fornication are now smarter and they rarely get pregnant, but that they
can never be successful in life however hard they try. This is because the boys
that they had slept with had removed some vital things from them spiritually so
as to enhance their own lives, but the girls had been completely destroyed
without their knowledge. Another fellow shared with me that some girls get into
some boys’ lives and their destinies get altered negatively while the girls
make ‘gains.’ Which other warning are you waiting for?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ephesians 5: 3 states, “But fornication and
all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting
for saints...”). Read this scripture also and shudder, “...Nor let us commit
sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand
fell...” (I Cor. 10:8) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">God demands holy living from all of
us. In Hebrews 13:4, it is written, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the
bed undefiled, but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” Wait until the
right time! I mean enjoy sex within Marriage! May we not be found wanting at
His judgment Seat. AMEN. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">For further enlightenment on this
subject, please visit my blog on “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dangers
of pre-marital sex</i>” on Esy’s blogs </span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="mailto:reading4joy@blogspot.com"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">reading4joy@blogspot.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
<br />Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-28019410802016503772020-04-30T05:26:00.000-07:002020-04-30T05:26:16.975-07:00 THE IMPORTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL CHRISTIAN COUNSELLORS <br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">The word of
God says, “Where no counsel is, the people fall (perish): but “in the multitude
of Counsellors, there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14 KJV).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">Several
years ago, I attended a wedding ceremony at a Church. The officiating clergy
admonished the couple on what it takes to enjoy a Christian home, and in
addition, he advised them that they should not encourage the third party in their
marriage. He said further, “Don’t allow or encourage those people, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">olofofo,</i> (busybodies) called counsellors
to interfere in your marriage. To an extent that was good pastoral advice,
but personally, I felt very hurt as a practising Counsellor because I found it
highly derogatory to have referred to counsellors as “busybodies.” In my mind,
I said “Lord, this pastor is not helping this couple. As much as I do not
support the idea of bringing in the third party into the marriage, the fact still
remains that this newly wedded couple will need help along the way. This is a
journey they have not passed through before, so if there is any need for them
to seek help from a counsellor or anybody they feel led to talk to, I believe
that they should be encouraged, and not discouraged. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">It is
unfortunate that some people have wrong notions about the counselling ministry.
They think counsellors are busybodies, but as time goes by they will
acknowledge the fact that counsellors are needed in our society. There are no
specific books in Bookshops that teach couples how to relate with each other at
each moment of life. For example, how to greet your spouse when you wake up,
how to feed your partner, how to please your husband <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">et cetera</i>. Most of those things are culturally based, therefore, if
the need arises to seek help from professionals, I believe they should be
encouraged. These are end times, many homes are facing economic distress,
emotional and even spiritual problems. Many homes are being destroyed by the
powers of darkness, and Christian couples must be spiritually alert. I heard a
true story of a pastor who told his wife on a particular day that, “I just feel
like beating you, yet you did not offend me.” What interpretation will you
provide for such? It is an aberration!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">Where there
are healthy families, there will be a healthy nation. Unfortunately, many homes
are going through turbulent times. The statistics of couples filing for divorce
in courts is skyrocketing, while others who want to be modest opt for
separation. In the year 2020, it was reported that at a particular court in a
city in Nigeria, there are about 4,000 divorce cases still pending. Isn’t that
heartbreaking? That is just from one court. What is the statistics from other
courts in the land? What do you think will happen to the future of the children
who are from such homes? They will inevitably be affected adversely. Let’s ask
the question, How many of such people had a heart-to-heart discussion with their
spiritual leaders or professional counsellors before rushing to the court? Some
of them might have been brain-washed that they should not get any third party
involved, others might be reacting as a result of what their parents had
suffered in their marriages, and the children are now telling themselves, “No,
not again! My mother suffered domestic violence, I cannot stomach this
non-sense! But they forget that God created us as individuals and we should be
responsible for our lives. Domestic violence is on the increase! Men beating
their wives and vice versa. This is evidence that society is truly
decaying. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">In Exodus
18:13-26, the man Jethro had to call Moses’ attention to the necessity of
getting more hands to help him in handling the matters that the Israelites were
bringing to him. In essence, there was a need for more counsellors if not,
Moses would suffer burnout. In the same vein, we need more counsellors to move
to the stage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">Nobody can counsel effectively without the help of “The Counsellor,” that is The
Holy Spirit. We must learn to communicate with Him and seek His directions as
we talk with people because He only can truly solve those problems. In the
world, many people are aching and many are broken-hearted. One day, a lady
called me on the telephone and we conversed for some time. Initially, I didn’t
like the idea, and I encouraged her to come to the counselling office so that
we could discuss extensively. On her part, she didn’t want face- to- face
interaction, but after some telephone discussion, she agreed that she would come
to the office. Unfortunately, she disregarded the two appointments that she
booked. The Holy Spirit then helped me to realize that there was a need for a
paradigm shift. All clients may not show up in the office, just take advantage
as the case presents itself, so I followed her up with text messages, and
sending relevant bible passages to help her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">As human
beings we operate from different perspectives. When a man and his wife can no
longer understand each other, they should seek the help of a professional
counsellor, who by the help of the Holy Spirit can help them to see the matter
from other perspectives. A friend shared a story with me that a newly married
couple found themselves in a mess that could have cost them their new home,
just a day after their wedding. After all the merriment at the wedding reception,
they went to their new home rejoicing, but by the following day, there was a
problem. The dustbin was filled with all kinds of stuff. The husband was
expecting the wife to empty it, and the wife too was expecting the husband to
empty it. So the man spoke up, but the wife refused and they began to shout at
each other. Their pastor said he felt led by the Holy Spirit to go and visit them
that morning, but he was hesitant. This couple just wedded yesterday, they
should be enjoying their honeymoon, why should I disturb them? Well, he obeyed
and went to the house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">As he
approached the house he overheard the new couple shouting at each other, so he
understood why the Lord sent him there. As he entered the house they greeted
him, Ah, pastor, welcome sir. He then asked them what caused the quarrel between
them and they explained. The wife told her pastor that in her family, it was
their father that used to empty the dustbin so she grew up to believe that it
is a man’s job, while the husband said it was his mother that empties trash at
home. The pastor now counselled with them and made them see that both
of them are right in their thinking, but that was their parents’ homes. Now
they must decide how they want to run their own home, not necessarily following
the old patterns. Thank God for that divine intervention, and peace was
restored. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">The Holy
Spirit needs our hands, our feet, our mouths and all that He can use to reach
out to people who are aching, and others who may just need little encouragement
to push ahead with life in a world such as ours. The Bible is central to our
counselling practice as Christian Counsellors, as the Holy Spirit grants us
necessary illumination. No one has the wisdom to relate with people who are in
pains and need succour, we need God’s wisdom, guidance and His words to pass across
to people in this troubled society. Prayer component cannot be overemphasized.
We must be very prayerful. Begin to pray for the client once he or she books an
appointment, while the counselling session is ongoing, remain connected to the
Holy Spirit, and as a follow-up strategy, keep praying that the Holy Spirit will
help him or her to be victorious through the crisis. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">God is
building men and women who will surrender their will to Him to move to the nooks
and crannies of this world so as to preserve the world for Him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is calling out to willing hearts to help
in rebuilding lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">Are you
ready? May God find you faithful. Amen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">N.B. Do you perceive the need for training? Join our online training at
Institute of Christian Counselling and Mission Studies. Log on to </span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.iccmstudies.net/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">www.iccmstudies.net</span></b></a></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"> for a rich experience in basic
Christian Counselling. It is a flexible programme and it is cost-friendly.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br />Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-58795209075842346952020-02-14T20:52:00.001-08:002020-02-14T20:52:17.428-08:00WOMAN. STAY ON! YOU ARE AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE!<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A woman woke up one day with a heavy burden on her
mind. I will like to call her Mrs. A. Troubled by the crises she was facing in
her matrimony, Mrs. A. decided that the best way to get out of this marriage
palaver is to pack her load and call it quits. She was ready to walk out of
that marriage without informing her husband about her decision. Will he stop
her from leaving, if informed? Maybe, maybe not, but Mrs. A was resolute.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Unknown to Mrs. A, a neighbor has been watching her in
the neighborhood, and wished she could be like this mama, who unknown to her
was about running away from her matrimonial home. One day, this other lady that
I will like to address as Mrs. B walked to Mrs. A and narrated to her how
unhappy she has been in her marriage and the fact that she was planning to
leave her husband. On second thought she told herself, ‘let me see this other
woman who appears to be enjoying her own married life. May be she can help me
out of this crisis.’ So she approached Mrs. A.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On getting to the house of Mrs. A, she greeted her and
pleaded with her to grant her some time because she had something to share with
her. Out of courtesy, Mrs. A asked Mrs. B to sit down. The latter began to
share her tales of woes. As Mrs. A was listening to the stories of her
neighbor, she was convicted by the Holy Spirit about her decision to quit her
marriage. She listened attentively to Mrs. B and she began to counsel her. To
the glory of God, she was able to help Mrs. B to see a better perspective on
her marriage, and she went back home rejoicing. She decided not to quit her
marriage as she previously planned. After Mrs. B left the house, our dear madam
went on her knees and asked God for forgiveness. She did not realize that
somebody in the neighborhood has been watching and admiring her and her husband
as a happy couple. Your guess is as good as mine. Mrs. A stayed on. That’s the
power of stickability!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If fifty married women are brought together in a
group, I guess about seventy-five (75%) of them, if not higher than that, are
silently wishing that they could quit their marriages. Why? There are many
unanswered questions in their minds! I leave you to fill up the gaps.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Beloved, stay on! Remember, the word of God states
that, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">For we do not wrestle against
flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers
of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenlies.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in
the evil day, and having done all, to stand. </i>“(Ephesians 6: 12-13). The
first marriage in the Garden of Eden suffered a great blow but for God’s divine
intervention (Genesis 3). The adversary, Satan, is not happy to see a united
home that is built on Jesus Christ, our solid Rock. He constantly fights
against marriage institution. Let us be spiritually alert, and do not give
Satan a foothold. But you may want to ask the question, “What if the man is
battering the wife? There are different ways of handling such. I am not suggesting
that you stay and lose your life, but be wise! Your husband is not a devil after all. Pray for each other. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Stay on beloved! Somebody somewhere is being
encouraged, though unknown to you. May God grant you and your husband the grace
to honor God in your marriage. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-79985357589471737292020-01-22T13:02:00.001-08:002020-01-22T13:03:35.142-08:00“BABY MAMA!” WHAT ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE?”<br />
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Let me share a true story with you
about a woman who was legally married to her husband, but one day she called
her daughter and gave her this advice, “I don’t want you to bother about
marriage. Just get a handsome young man and have a child by him. Once you have
got a child, that’s ok. Do not marry him. Develop your career and continue your
life as a career woman.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">AH! What an ungodly advice to a
precious life that is committed into your hands by God? Many questions ran
through my mind at such a story:</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">What happened to that woman’s
marriage that made her so disillusioned about married life?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Was she still living with the father
of her child as at the time she was advising this little girl, who was a
student at that time?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Did this woman realize that she was
outrightly encouraging her daughter to go and commit fornication, which is a
sin before God? “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the
body, but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.” (1
Cor.6:18) </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">When mothers
are wary of their marital problems and they think that the best thing to do </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">is to
“shield” their daughters from such future crises by advising them to become
‘single </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">mothers’
(without husbands), what sort of society are we creating for ourselves?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Unfortunately,
this is a very selfish idea. We always think about our own pleasures, </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">things that
will favor us. A lady wants to enjoy motherhood but she wants to run away </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">from the
responsibilities of building a healthy home by settling down in marriage with
the </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">father of
the child. Can we for once think about “the Child”? His or Her future? No
father </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">figure to
grow up with? When he or she begins to go to school, other children will be </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">sharing
stories about what their daddies are doing – how daddy sometimes is helping out
</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">with the
schoolwork; how he is assisting mummy at home; how they went out to events </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">with daddy
and mummy, visiting Amazement parks, Zoological garden, and Shopping </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">malls to buy
some ‘goodies.’ Have you thought of what effects that could have on your </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">child, my
dear so-called ‘Single mother? What is the pride in being addressed as “Baby </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Mama?”</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">One day, you will be faced with tough questions. Your child will come home and ask you, “Mummy, where is my
daddy? Why is he not living with us in this house?” How do you intend to
respond? What lies are you planning to tell that precious gift of God?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Let us imagine what future lies
ahead of such a child. He or she will get to know the truth one day and will
become bitter. The child may become rebellious and may hate you for life. The
‘father’ you denied him/her of having would have gone ahead with his own life
by marrying another woman, who may never agree that your own child should be accepted
into their home. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">With such embittered species
scattered all over our land, we don’t need a prophet to tell us that our
society is sitting on a keg of gun powder. It is just a matter of time, the
resultant effect will be cataclysmic! What an explosion! We have enough crises
in the world, can you please spare us some sorrows by not bringing to birth
such children that will turn against you and the society in the future? We are
tired of the countless number of dysfunctional families that are all over the
place, please help us build healthy homes so that we can enjoy a healthy
Nation. Marry legally according to the plan of God who instituted marriage. He says
in Genesis 2:18 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>22, 24, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It is not good for the man to be alone. I
will make a companion who will help him... Then the Lord God made a woman from
the rib and brought her to Adam...This explains why a man leaves his father and
mother and is joined to his wife (woman), and the two are united into one.”</i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Refuse to be lured into “Baby Mama”
club. It is an insult to your womanhood! When you feel the need for a
man-figure in your life, what will you do? Do you want to be sleeping around
with all kinds of men? What an insult to your creator? The child that you have
denied the joy of complete parenthood, what will she or he become in the future?
Just like you? Frustrated and embittered? Jesus came to give us life, and life
in abundance. (Jn. 10:10) Give Him a chance in your life. Confess your sins and
ask Him for forgiveness, then turn away from your wicked ways and accept Him as
your personal Lord and Saviour. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If any man is in Christ, he is a new
creation; old things have passed away, behold! All things become new.</i>”</span></div>
<br />Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-14086931541101690432019-10-16T20:56:00.000-07:002019-10-16T20:58:47.671-07:00THE "WRIGGLE": :Window to your Freedom (PART 2)<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The
Biblical basis </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">In Proverbs chapter
sixteen verse seven, the word of the Lord states, “When a man’s ways please the
Lord, He makes even his enemies be at peace with him.” (Amplified Bible).
Conversely, if a man’s way does not please the Lord, I dare to say that what
will happen to him will be the opposite, that is to say, his enemies will not
be at peace with him. I think this could be the reason behind curses and the
battle in a Christian’s life most of the times, though not always. Sometimes
Satan fights the Christian for no just cause just as it is in Job’s case. Read
Job 2: 1-8.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">In
all honesty how many Christians are living sinless lives? How many are
blameless, and how many are holy? The bible says, “Without holiness, no man can
see the Lord.” Sometimes one may even be ignorant of the fact that he or she
has sinned. He that does not offend in words the bible describes him as a
perfect man. (James 3:2). But the Holy Spirit whispers into our hearts saying
my son, or my daughter, do you know that you have just missed the mark? Some
people gave that a coinage and described it as “the sins of the saints!” As
Christians many of us know that there are some sins that are obvious such as
are mentioned in the Bible. For example, the book of Revelations chapter one,
verse eight reads: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">But as for the cowards and the
ignoble and the contemptible and the cravenly lacking in courage and the
cowardly submissive, and as for the unbelieving and faithless, and as for the
depraved and defiled with abominations, and as for murderers and the lewd and
adulterous and the practicers of magic arts and the idolaters (those who give
supreme devotion to anyone or anything other than God) and all liars those who
knowingly convey untruth by word or deed) – [all of these shall have] their
part in the lake that blazes with fire and brimstone. This is the second death.</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">
(Amplified Bible). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">But what will one say
about a Christian who is being ruled by anger almost all the time? Even though
he or she may not blow up the top of the lid but in that quietness, gently
boiling with anger, sin is already recorded against such a fellow except he or
she repents and asks God for forgiveness. This brings to my mind the case of a
Christian sister who was bitter but she did not know until one remarkable day.
She attended a Sunday service at a church and having been convicted by the
Spirit of the Lord to amend her ways, she responded to an altar call for
re-dedication of her life to Jesus Christ. As she was sitting down in the
waiting room expecting to meet with one of the church counsellors, the Holy
Spirit confronted her with this reality. It was as if someone spoke to her
inwardly, “You are bitter against God.” The sister could not believe what she
heard. She was so disturbed and after meditating on that sentence for a while she
accepted that it was true and she broke down weeping. One of the counsellors on
standby saw her sobbing but he did not interrupt her. That was a good quality
of a counsellor. He allowed the sister to settle her case with her creator
unhindered. The lady in question quietly confessed her sin of bitterness
against God and asked God to forgive her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Beloved,
I was that lady! I brightened up after the prayer and I beckoned to the
counsellor who had actually been watching the ‘drama,’ and I said to him, “Sir,
I am alright. I want to go home.” The counsellor asked, “Are you sure you are
o.k. or will you like to still meet with a counsellor? I put up a beautiful
smile and assured him that “all is well.” The counsellor prayed with me and I left
the Counselling hall liberated from the spirit of bitterness and I went home
rejoicing. Reading through this story, many questions may likely be racing
through the mind of the reader. How can someone be bitter against God? Is that
really possible? I understand your confusion. I was also taken by surprise. How
can I be bitter against my creator? But remember that the Holy Spirit searches
through the heart of man and He sees what is there even when it is latent, I mean
when it appears nothing is at stake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Considering our story
let us imagine if Satan had struck the sister with infirmity, chains of
calamities <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">et cetera</i>, many would have
judged wrongly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people who knew her
closely might even vouch for her that the sister is living right with God, how
could such a thing happen to her? But the truth was that she was actually
‘swimming’ in an ocean of bitterness for years against her creator due to the
challenges of life she was confronted with. The accuser, Satan, actually had a
foothold to hold on to, confidently reporting to God saying something like this,
“Have you seen your so-called daughter living in the sin of bitterness? I have
every right to attack her. What do you have to say, Master?” This is just my
imagination! Thank God for the blood, the death and resurrection of Jesus
Christ. Some people may not be that fortunate to escape being struck by the
devil even though they are born-again Christians. Deep-seated issues must be
cleared with God’s mercy in order to scale through the accusation of the
adversary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-89614680628426790502019-10-16T20:48:00.000-07:002019-10-16T20:48:37.423-07:00THE "WRIGGLE" - Window to your Freedom (PART 1)<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I have a message to put
across. A message that may likely generate some questions,
arguments, and counter-arguments among genuine Christians especially my friends
in the theological field. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">When I felt that the
Spirit of the Lord was leading me to write on this “sensitive” topic in
the year, 2012, I must confess that I trembled. The reason is
simple. I am aware that many Christians still argue about a number of issues
that are being exposed here, and I do not want to lead any child of God
astray consciously or unconsciously.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>I
dare say I am treading this terrain softly because many Christians have their
biases about this discussion. Whatever I have written down are things that I believe God has given me the grace to
share with the followers of Jesus Christ, globally.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day I was meditating on the word of God,
and suddenly I found myself meditating on the word, “Warfare.” I began to ask
myself the question, What is warfare? In my reflections, I see warfare as a war
to be fought. That means there is a battle going on somewhere. With whom am I
to fight this war? The powers of darkness! What does war connote? Violence of
course! So since war has to do with violence that means it is not a matter of
joke! Not at all! The meditation grew deeper. Can one fight any war silently? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I doubt it. There would always be noise I
concluded. Now the next issue is since war calls for violence, can anyone pray
spiritual warfare prayer as ‘silent prayer’? Is that how to fight a war?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I do not know what others think, but the reflection
jolted me to reality, and made the fact crystal clear to me that it is needful
that one puts in all of one’s energy, by the power of the Holy Spirit to fight
this type of war that has attracted the principalities and powers of hell to
‘crush’ someone spiritually, and physically if they can have their ways. Many
supposed glorious destinies had been frustrated, ‘caged’ or completely ruined.
Others started their journey in life with lofty promises of greatness in sight!
Some mind-blowing prophecies had been declared on the lives of some others, but
then no results at sight. Then the question pops up in one’s mind, “Where is
the outcome of those promises and the fulfilment of those wonderful prophecies?
Hun-uh, confusion sets in. Who is to blame? Satan, the individual, the society,
the government of the land or who is responsible for this kind of supposed unfulfilled
glorious future?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At a period in my life, I began to ruminate
over the unfulfilled promises and prophecies in my own life. As a regenerated
soul, already washed by the blood of Jesus Christ, and walking in His ways, I
was deeply disturbed and worried about my state. Spiritually, I was struggling
to enjoy sweet fellowship with the Holy Spirit, as a result of loads of burdens,
and doubts on my mind which I was not bold enough to share with close
associates, how much more my spiritual overseers. What would they think about
me? I will be presenting myself to them as a backsliding Christian if they get
to know about my pains. But I was ‘dying.’ Stagnancy at all fronts! No progress
at the place of work! By the time it appears as if progress was being made in
the area of Christian Ministry, the devil would put up a wall again, and all
hope would be lost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I
know that some of us Christians see “Dreams” as a lesser form of revelation. I
was in your shoes before the Lord helped me to understand better by studying
the scriptures. This write up is not about dreams, so I do not intend to teach on
that, but suffice it to say that the dream that I had about a spiritual attack
launched at my studies compelled me to begin some spiritual exercise such as
fasting and praying. At the tail end of my studies, I almost experienced a
set-back but the Lord intervened, then I appreciated God for the victory Jesus
had won for me on the cross of Calvary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Christian sister at my place of work gave me
a copy of their church magazine, and after reading through some articles and
testimonies that were printed there, I prayed and I saw the need to attend some
of the prayer and deliverance programmes of the church. After some months, the
Holy Spirit began to unfold some deep secrets to me about my life and the
ministry that God has committed into my hands. On one occasion I received a
message by the Spirit of the Lord, saying to me, “You will write a book for
me,” and the title that was given to me that day is The "Wriggle."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-11642860701302335742019-07-01T23:45:00.000-07:002020-05-28T04:55:23.327-07:00JOY-EST EDITORS AND PROOFREADERS<br />
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<b><span style="background: lime; font-family: "algerian"; font-size: 24.0pt;">JOY- EST
EDITORS AND PROOFREADERS</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "algerian"; font-size: 24.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: lime; font-family: "algerian"; font-size: 20.0pt;">WE ARE YOUR ONE-STOP<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: lime; font-family: "algerian"; font-size: 20.0pt;">EDITORS/PROOFREADERS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 27.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: justify;">
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<b><span style="background: lime; font-family: "algerian"; font-size: 14.0pt;">You can count on our expertise to help you edit:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 27.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background: lime; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="background: lime; font-family: "algerian"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Manuscripts/Articles/Reports<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 27.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 27.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
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<b><span style="background: lime; font-family: "algerian"; font-size: 16.0pt;">OUR CHARGES ARE CUSTOMER-FRIENDLY<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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YOU!<span style="color: #777777;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<td style="height: 58.65pt; padding: 0cm 15.0pt 11.25pt 15.0pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: lime; color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">PROFILE OF THE CHIEF EDITOR<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">MRS.
JOYCE ADEOLA OLUFEMI (</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">B.A. Linguistics, University of
Ibadan, Nigeria; M.Ed. Curriculum Planning and Development, Sterling
University, Scotland, U.K; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">M.A. Linguistics,
University of Ibadan; P.G.D.E. University of Ibadan, Nigeria.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mrs. Joyce Adeola
Olufemi is a seasoned teacher. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A godly and reputable
Principal under Oyo state Teaching Service Commission, (TESCOM), Oyo State
branch before her retirement. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She served as an editorial
assistant/assistant information officer with a government publishing outfit in
Enugu state during her Youth service. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She is a product of the
Premier University, the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, where she studied
Linguistics for the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She also obtained
another Master’s degree in Curriculum planning and Development from Sterling
University, Scotland, in the United Kingdom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She has a post-graduate
diploma in Education with an emphasis on the teaching of English as a second language.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She has helped in proof-reading
and editing many literary works. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She is also a
translator of no mean repute to the glory of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She taught English
Language and English Literature for many years as a Secondary school teacher as
well as a School principal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She is presently
working on a life-changing
manuscript on Secondary School administration with the ultimate goal of
providing valuable resource material for School Administrators.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">AREAS
OF COMPETENCE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Proofreading<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Editing<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Translation
<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> PROFILE OF THE COORDINATING
EDITOR</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">DR. (MRS.) ESTHER ADENIKE
LUOGON</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (N.C.E.(English/Yoruba), Federal College of
Education, Abeokuta; B.Ed. Education/Guidance & Counselling with English
Language as a teaching subject -University of Ibadan, Nigeria; M.A. Missions,
Africa Int’l Univ. Nairobi-Kenya; Doctor of Ministry in Transformational
Leadership for the Global City @ Bakke Graduate University, Seattle, U.S.A.; Certified
Professional Counselor with The Canadian Institute of Christian Counselors,
(Nig. Study centre) and Advanced Leadership Cert from the International
Leadership Institute, Singapore.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She is the </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">President
of Joyful Callers Counselling Ministry, a Christian, not for profit organization,
geared towards meeting the spiritual, educational and psychological needs of
humans. Her training as an English Language teacher helped her in proofreading
and editing the students’ theses/dissertations and papers as a Lecturer at West Africa
Theological Seminary, Lagos; Grace Springs Bible College, Lagos; visiting
lecturer at Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, Abeokuta, Nigeria and also
as an adjunct Lecturer at former AEA School of Missions Eastern Region (SOMER),
Nairobi-Kenya, East-Africa before her retirement. She was also a former College
Guidance Counsellor at Messiah College, Plateau state-Nigeria; and presently
she serves as a Volunteer Counsellor to Secondary Schools and Tertiary
Institutions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">AREAS
OF COMPETENCE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Proofreading<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Editing<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Educational
Counselling <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">PUBLISHED
BOOKS </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Poems for Lovers of God
© 2004<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Loneliness: a virtue ©
2005<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bridges to
Relationships: facts or assumptions © 2008<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tips on Academic
Excellence: Study Habits & Hints on ‘stress-free’ Examinations ©2013<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">E-BOOKS
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Training by the Heart:
Cross-Cultural Missions Training in focus, The Nigerian perspective © 2017<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Determination: Key to
Greatness © 2017<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Insights Beyond the
Poems (formerly titled “<i>Poems for Lovers
of God” 2<sup>nd</sup> ed. expanded</i>) © 2017<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Loneliness: a Virtue (2<sup>nd</sup>
ed.) © 2017<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bridges to
Relationships: <i>Facts or Assumptions.</i>
(vol.2) © 2017<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Secrets to a Happy
Family © 2017<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tips on Academic
Excellence: Study Habits & Hints on ‘stress-free’ Examinations <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> © 2017<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(Available @ </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Esther-Adenike-Luogon/e/B01HK0KMVY"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">www.amazon.com/Esther-Adenike-Luogon/e/B01HK0KMVY</span></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://okadabooks.com/book/about/tips_for_academic_excellence/14753" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">https://okadabooks.com/book/about/tips_for_academic_excellence/14753</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "helveticaneue" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helveticaneue" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><a href="https://okadabooks.com/book/about/determination_key_to_greatness/14754" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "helveticaneue" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">https://okadabooks.com/book/about/determination_key_to_greatness/14754</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helveticaneue" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">PUBLISHED
ARTICLES/PAPERS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Articles on </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.joyfulcallers.org/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">http://www.joyfulcallers.org</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
and Esy’s Blogs at reading4joy.blogspot.com.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;">“Welcome to the circle
of Mission Senders” in <i>Church &
Mission magazine</i>, 2010.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Rebranding your
ministry: Beware of Burn-Out Syndrome” in<i>
Church & Mission magazine,</i> 2010<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Homosexuality in the
light of the Bible” (Online publication)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Mission Training
Structures (MTS): Seminary Model” (Consultation on indigenous Missions in
Africa (Nigeria Finish the task Network). Ibadan, 24<sup>th</sup> -29<sup>th</sup>
March 2003. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: lime; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> CONTACT US:</o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: lime; font-family: "algerian"; font-size: 14pt;">Telephone: </span><span style="background: lime; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">+234 (813-814-3021)</span></div>
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<span style="background: lime; color: red; font-family: "algerian"; font-size: 14pt;">EMAIL: </span><span style="background: lime; color: red; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">nikeluogon@gmail.com</span></div>
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<span style="background: lime; color: red; font-family: "algerian"; font-size: 14pt;">BLOG SITE: </span><span style="background: lime; color: red; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Esy’s blogs [reading4joy.blogspot.com]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: lime; font-family: "ar blanca"; font-size: 12pt;">Signed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: lime; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;">Joy-Est Editors & Proofreaders</span> </span></div>
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<br />Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-1436912021464289762019-05-13T19:48:00.000-07:002020-01-22T12:46:19.585-08:00CHILD OF GOD, YOUR MARRIAGE MUST WORK!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On Sunday, the 5<sup>th</sup> day of March 2019 I
woke up in the early hours of the day with this thought on my mind, “There’s a
demand placed upon you Child of God, your marriage must work! It looks like
this is a personal message but then the Spirit of the Lord led me to pick up my
writing materials and I began to write. I pray you will be blessed as you read
this piece in Jesus’ name</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What
is Christian Marriage?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This is my definition. A Christian marriage is one wherein
a man who has embraced the salvation which only Jesus Christ can give is joined
in holy matrimony to a woman who has equally embraced the same salvation through
confession of her sins to Jesus Christ and have invited Him into her life as
her Saviour. John 3: 16 states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his
only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life.” Jesus told Nicodemus in verse 7 of the same chapter, “Marvel
not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In Genesis 2: 24, “Therefore shall a man leave his
father and his mother, and shall unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh.”<span style="color: red;"> </span>Can anyone separate one indivisible whole without
causing harm? The moment you try that destruction sets in. Though the two of
them are Christians, human nature can not be ignored. There are moments of
revelations! Seeing the other aspect of your partner which you never expected!
Sometimes you wake up in the quietness of the night and you begin to look at
this partner of yours with several ‘unhealthy’ questions racing through your
mind, especially when you have been hurt. Let us not mention them here! Please
do not dwell on such, rather borrow the “eyes of Jesus” and see your spouse
through Jesus’ eyes. Think of only what Jesus would be seeing in that handiwork
of His. Someone is saying, “You don’t know this partner of mine that is why you
are giving glowing tributes!” But Jesus sees all and He knows all! <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Why
must this Marriage Work?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This marriage relationship must work because it is
built on Jesus Christ, the Rock of Ages! God the Father says in Malachi<span style="color: red;"> </span>2:15-16, “Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let
none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. For the LORD, the God of
Israel, saith that he hateth putting away…) “I hate divorce.” I am sure you
will not like to embrace what your Father in heaven hates. You desire to please
your Master, Jesus Christ. Isn’t it? But wait a minute! Are you telling me to
stay on in that abusive marriage? Then I ask you, friend, Was this how it all
began? You started at a place of love and that was why you came together as
husband and wife in the first place, then what happened along the journey
friend?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> This
marriage must work because you are brought together by God to showcase His
glory to your generation and generations yet unborn who will read or hear about
your exemplary Christian home. You are called to be a role model!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Let us examine some likely causes of marital conflicts
at this point of our deliberation. These are just my thoughts, there are many
more definitely. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 1. </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lack
of money to meet up with family needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 2. </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Careless
spending of money by either of the marriage partners.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 3. </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Interruption
by the in-laws (mother-in-law; father-in-law; sister or brother-in-law etc)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 4. </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Siblings
becoming overbearing on either the husband or the wife through their monetary
or material demands<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 5. </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Communication gap between married couples. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">6.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 6. </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Shabby
appearance/dressing on the part of either of the couple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">7.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 7. </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Excessive
weight problem especially on the wife’s part.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">8.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 8. </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lack
of family philosophy of training of the children. Follow the Bible principle in
Prov. 22:6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">9.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 9. </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lack
of mutual respect. Ephesians 5:21Romans 12:10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">110.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Rebellious
behaviour from either husband or wife.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">111.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lack
of respect for parents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">112.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lustful
behaviour in the area of property accumulation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">113.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sexual
dissatisfaction /sexual abuse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">114.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Infidelity
or unfaithfulness in marriage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">115.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Constant
nagging by the wife or anger from either of the couple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">116.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Childlessness
for a period or infertility.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">117.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lack
of attention by either husband or wife.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">118.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Overconcentration of love on the children at the expense of one’s spouse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">119.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Getting
hooked on one’s career/ ministry to the total neglect of the other partner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">220.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lack
of romance in the marriage/ bad habit of pornography.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">221.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lack
of trust and loyalty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">222.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bitterness
and Unforgiveness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">223.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Not
meeting up with each other’s expectations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">224.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Pride
and arrogance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">225.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Constant
dependence on parents-in-law for family needs and conflict resolution.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">226.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lack
of understanding and hypocrisy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">227.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Not
listening attentively to your spouse during discussions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">228.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Not
cross-checking with your spouse information received from outsiders about him
or her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">229.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Battering
i. e Wife beating.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">330.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Favoritism
in the family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This marriage is not working again! Let us call it
quits! Be patient my brother! Be calm my dear sister! Some ‘stranger’ is at
that dark corner beating a drum of sorrow, shame, and destruction for you and
your spouse. Can’t you discern it? When
father Adam and Eve were in harmony with their creator in the garden of Eden,
read again what happened to them in the book of Genesis. In the cool of the day,
God in heaven will come down and had fellowship with the first human couple on
earth, but by the time the enemy of our soul crept in as a serpent in Genesis chapter
3. ‘Man’ was misled and that led to a breakdown in their fellowship with God.
Let us read it together again in Genesis 3: 23-24, “Therefore the LORD God sent
him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.
So he drove out the man…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Do
you realize that God missed that fellowship? He had to make a way to restore
that communion and that informed the sending of His only begotten Son to earth.
Jesus Christ came and died on the cross for you and for me. He shed His blood
so as to reconcile us back to the Father.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> That
marriage must work! It has to work, dear child of God because you are a terror
to the kingdom of Satan. If you now permit the devil to destroy your home, what
happens? You don’t know my partner. The more I pray the more the relationship
worsens! I know it happens sometimes. Please play your own part and leave the
rest to God to iron it out. May His
Spirit not depart from us. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What
must you do for this marriage to work?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">INTIMACY WITH GOD<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In marriage three personalities are
involved:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 39.75pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 54.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 54.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">II.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Husband<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 54.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">III.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Wife <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Every Christian that
wants to live a meaningful and victorious life must be very close to God. It is
important to spend quality time with God in the place of prayer, Bible study,
and meditate on God’s word. As couples, you must be determined to build a Christ-Centred
home. Once the husband’s communication with God is unhindered as well as that
of the wife towards God, they will naturally flow towards each other. But if
one party has a communication breakdown between him/her and God, it will affect
his/her communication with the spouse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Once the communication lines are open between God and the couple, things will work out better.
Therefore, direct the attention of the entire family to the supremacy of Christ
in your lives and personal endeavours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The word of God says, “<i>But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and
his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.</i>” (Matthew
6:33)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Friend, deepen your
relationship with the Holy Spirit. He will teach you how to listen to divine
instructions and will grant you a heart of obedience so that you can please
your creator. What of if I find myself in an abusive marriage? What of if the
man or the woman wants to kill me? You are not a robot, you are a human being! Turn
it over to God, and do whatever he instructs you to do at any particular time
for your safety. In closing, let God be the leader in your home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">(For
counselling, please contact Joyful Callers Counselling Ministry @ 0813-814-3021
or send an email to “joyfulcallers@gmail.com”</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-78139740316795392722019-05-13T19:17:00.004-07:002019-05-13T19:21:38.345-07:00BRIDGES TO RELATIONSHIPS: Facts or Assumptions. Written by Dr, Esther Adenike Luogon<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Do not be misled Betty, that was a devilish
counsel. And may I reiterate this. Though the world’s standards are changing,
God’s standards remain the same. “<i>Marriage is honourable among all, and the
bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.</i>”(Heb.13:4).
Many innocent girls had been deceived just like you, and unfortunately some had
made a shipwreck of their lives. The truth, Betty, is that once a lady makes
herself cheap to commit fornication, she has sinned against God, and more often
than not the man gets rid of her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Try and imagine what happened to a juicy orange.
Once the buyer sucks the juice, what remains? The chaff, Betty replied. Yes,
and she throws away the chaff. Once you fall a victim to pre-marital sex, you
are no longer precious to the man. The excitement to enter into a marriage
relationship dies off. What else is he looking out for anyway? And even if one
patches it up and gets married eventually, trust is betrayed already. Remember
once the house is built on the foundation of distrust and doubt, one cannot
enjoy that marriage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">They will live together in suspicion of each
other’s activities. Whenever the husband sees the wife chatting with another
man, it may be an old schoolmate, the husband becomes fidgety. At home the next
question would be: Who is that man that was talking to you? I saw the two of
you laughing heartily. So what is the relationship between you and the man? He
is already putting up an angry look. Woman, you gave him room to be suspicious.
Watch your life! Betty thanked her friend, Lucy, for her mature counsel and
promised she would live to do the right thing. “<i>The way of a fool is right
in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.</i>” (Prov.12:15). Betty
left Lucy’s place fully resolved to accept Dale’s proposal...<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The families were informed about the relationship
and everybody was in support. Thus preparations towards the wedding began. Dale
and Betty were in the final semester at the University, and they both agreed
that the wedding should hold a month after their graduation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">On the wedding day, Dale and Betty were full of
smiles, chatting all the way. It was obvious to everybody that the couple were
friends indeed. Lucy was not the chief bride’s maid as everybody had expected.
Betty and Lucy took that decision because they realized that Lucy would be
saddled with a host of responsibilities so as to make the wedding ceremony a
huge success. If she had to occupy that ‘special’ position for that day, she
would be distracted a great deal. One of the tasks she was to carry out on that
glorious day was the giving of the toast of the bride and the bridegroom, as it
is generally described around here. She was to tell the audience how the couple
met, all that transpired during the relationship until the wedding proper. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At the wedding reception that blessed day, she gave
the toast, and after sharing the details with the jubilating audience, she
turned to her friend, “Betty, my love, it is now time to meet ‘the man’ in your
man.” What a riddle! There was a look of surprise on everybody’s face, but
Betty got the joke. Dale could not comprehend this joke, but his wife promised
to explain it to him after the occasion. Four months after the wedding, there
was no doubt that Dale was a man as it evidenced in the wife’s protruded
stomach. Betty was expecting a baby. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<br />
(N.B. Hope you are enjoying the story. For the rest of the story, please visit<br />
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Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-50548873588804977252019-02-26T04:52:00.000-08:002019-02-26T04:52:36.645-08:00BRIDGES TO RELATIONSHIPS: Facts or Assumptions Written by Dr. Esther Adenike Luogon<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She
is in deep love with you but she has told herself the truth that many ladies
seem to be ignorant of, and that is, ‘it is not every guy that hangs around you
that really needs your love. Some guys just do it for the fun of it.’ Dale
looked at Lucy, ‘Tell me more, is this how you ladies think? Thank you Lucy. I
can see that you are a true friend indeed. Please do not tell Betty that we had
this sort of discussion. Do you promise? ‘I promise.’ She answered. I will get
back to you Lucy. Bye. Dale zoomed off. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Dale left Lucy’s presence
with much confidence in his feelings towards Betty. I never knew that she was
reading between lines. You see one needs to be careful these days with ladies.
At times they can be very funny too. Even when someone is deeply in love with
you in her heart, you just let out the cat, and you will be shocked at her
reply, ‘I am not interested in any relationship right now.’ One wanders if it
is a cliché that every girl must go for. I hope Betty will be different. He
soliloquizes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few days, Dale
went to visit Betty and they began to discuss about all other subjects in the
world except love matters. Betty was not feeling too happy at the protracted stay
of Dale and yet, nothing substantial was coming out of the discussion. She
looked at her wristwatch and her countenance changed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sorry
Betty, it seems as if you have an appointment somewhere. Why do you say so? I
have no appointment. Betty replied. But I saw you looking at your wristwatch. Oh!
I am very sorry for my bad manners. Betty apologized. That’s alright. Now let
us go on to the real business of the day. I am here on purpose Betty. She was
surprised at Dale’s utterances, but she held her peace. Looking intently at
Betty, Dale declares, ‘I love you so much, Betty. I cannot do anything without
you. Will you marry me?’ </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As if
she had not been longing to hear those words, Betty looked at Dale and asked
quietly. Can you excuse me please? Before she could get off her seat, Dale
asked again. Betty, are you ignoring me? Do you want to walk out on me and
leave me in your room? I am very sorry if I have hurt you Betty. I promise that
was not my intention. Sorry, I need to go now. Betty felt sad that she did not
have the courage to say ‘yes’ to a question she has long been waiting to hear
from Dale. Thanks Dale, I hope you are not too disappointed in me, let us keep
up our friendship. Who knows what the future holds? Dale smiled. Sounds
familiar! Betty was inquisitive, but he refused to offer any explanation. And
they both walked out of her room.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Betty headed for Victoria’s room knowing very well
that Lucy went there to study. She went with the hope of getting a shoulder to
cry on. She burst into the room, rushed towards the beautifully laid bed and
she began to cry. Lucy was taken aback at Betty’s dramatic action and she moved
slowly towards the bedside, sat by her friend and encouraged her to speak out.
After a while Betty lifted her head and looked at her friend. Her blood-shot
eyes frightened Lucy who shouted, what is this Betty? Do you want to kill
yourself? Talk to me. What is the problem? In response to her many questions
Betty narrated the event that took place between herself and Dale. I guess as
much. Lucy affirmed. Betty was baffled, looked straight into Lucy’s eyes and
asked. How do you know? Know what? Lucy pretended as if she did not say
anything implicating. Well Betty, it will be alright. Dale went back disturbed
but he was determined not to give up too soon. “May be she is playing one of
those pranks that ladies play with guys.” After few days, he decided to visit
Lucy to find out if Betty had discussed with her. As Dale approached Lucy’s
room, he was full of agitation and began to ask questions: What of if Betty is
with her in the room? Will she not misunderstand my intentions? Are these girls
truthful to themselves in their relationship? Several questions flooded his
heart, but he summoned up courage and proceeded to the hostel. But why couldn’t
he call Lucy on his cell phone to ascertain her where about? May be he was
afraid that her friend, Betty, might be right there in the room with her. Let
me just take the risk and get there, if I am unfortunate to meet Betty on seat,
I will try and be smart to play my cards well. He concluded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There was a knock on the door. Who is there? Before
she could receive any response, she asked the visitor to come right inside ‘if
you are beautiful looking.’ Dale opened the door gently as if he were a lady.
To Lucy’s surprise, the beautiful face she was expecting in her room turned out
to be a handsome looking friend of hers, Dale, the lover boy of Betty. She
welcome him, offered him a glass of fruity juice and they began to discuss
matters that were dear to Dale’s heart. In the course of their discussion Dale
was inquisitive to find out from Lucy if Betty has confided in her about her
feelings towards him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Leave that area Dale, just do your part as a man.
But what do you mean by that Lucy? Dale did not want to walk on assumptions. I
mean, maintain your position and let her know that you are sincere with your
marriage proposal. Does she think I am a playboy Lucy? Dale, please, please, be
careful. What did I say just now that suggested that? Lucy gave Dale a look of
assurance and encouraged him to press forward. Dale walked back to his hostel
disturbed. “<i>Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word
makes it glad.</i>” (Prov.12:25)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Betty came into the room an hour later and she
confided in Lucy during their discussion, “Lucy do you know that Dale has never
asked me to go to bed with him? Not even once! I am afraid he may not be a
serious lover, and again I hope he is a man.” Lucy raised her eyebrow and
rebuked Betty sharply. Are you not a Christian lady Betty? Do you expect a
pre-marital sexual relationship from a Christian brother? Please for God’s
sake, you need to ask for forgiveness. But Lucy, don’t blame me. Bosun demanded
for that before we broke up the relationship, and when I shared this with some
of my friends they laughed me to scorn, and called me all sorts of names, ‘holy
Mary’; ‘virgin girl’; Holy mother, just name it. And I was told that it was
normal for any guy to ask for a sexual enjoyment these days, or else ...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">TO BE
CONTINUED...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-82505343258785857512019-02-26T04:50:00.000-08:002019-02-26T04:50:33.537-08:00BRIDGES TO RELATIONSHIPS: Facts or Assumptions Written by Dr. Esther Adenike Luogon<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CHAPTER ONE</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In this chapter attention shall be directed at
chains of relationships that exist among friends. It deals with issues of lack
of trust between friends; communication gaps between lovers; delays in making
one’s intention known to an opposite sex and problems relating to pre-marital
sexual relationships. A number of assumptions are made here that almost ruin
healthy relationships, but for the unfolding of truth as portrayed in each
story. See the following comments:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“He does not like seeing other guys around me…It’s
getting on my nerves these days.”</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“ If I do not allow him
to have sex with me, he will severe the relationship”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“He
does not call me on telephone regularly as he used to do, he must have lost interest
in this relationship.”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 108.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Story</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> I</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“He does not like seeing other
guys around me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He would always ask, And who is that fellow? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is as if he is witch hunting me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am fed up with his attention.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s getting on my nerves these days.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At a
University campus in Nigeria, Lucy and Betty met as room-mates and they became
the best of friends. Interestingly, both of them were studying architecture.
There was this boy, Dale by name, who had been coming around to visit the
girls. One beautiful day, Lucy opened up a discussion with Betty. Aren’t you
lucky girl, to have got a guy who is that interested in you? I think Dale is in
love with you and I will advise you not to miss such a good guy. Among the guys
we relate with on this campus, he is one in a million. Ah! Lucy, stop
exaggerating. It is as if Dale has bribed you or something. You have suddenly
become his public relations officer of late. Is he paying you for the job?
Which job? Lucy asked. But let us face the truth Betty, that guy is falling
heads and heels over you. You dare not disappoint him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Betty asked Lucy an obvious question. Did Dale
confide in you that he has asked for my hand in marriage or what? Have I
received an engagement ring from him, or why is he policing me all about the
campus? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">He
does not like seeing other guys around me. He would always ask, ‘And who is
that fellow?’ It is as if he is witch hunting me. I am fed up with his
attention. It’s getting on my nerves these days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">If he is interested, let him speak up. Lucy, I am
not in the picture of this stage you seem to be setting for him. I know he is
our friend, but is there anything more to this friendship? What is the essence
of hiding your feelings from a lady if you truly love her? Instead of
explaining to Betty the discussion she had earlier on had with Dale, Lucy just
told her friend, Betty, make sure you do not miss this golden opportunity.
Let’s get ready for lectures.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A week before Lucy had her last discussion with
Betty she had met Dale at the cafeteria and they began to talk about campus
life. While the discussion was still on, Lucy suddenly changed the topic. Dale,
when are you people bringing us together to celebrate the D-day? Surprised,
Dale asked Lucy, what do you mean? What celebration are you referring to? Don’t
play safe Dale. I mean you and Betty. Almost stammering, Dale asked, ‘what did
Betty tell you? Did she tell you that we are engaged?’ Lucy, talk to me, she is
your friend. Has she confided in you that she likes me and would love to live
the rest of her life with me? Lucy kept quiet. After a while she broke the
silence. Dale, I am very sorry to have embarrassed you. But the way and manner
I see you guard against all unwanted guests around Betty, I simply drew the
conclusion that you are in love with her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lucy, you don’t have to apologize. I think this is
a blessing in disguise. To be honest with you I am in deep love with your
friend, but I am so afraid to tell her this. Are you not a man? Men are known
to be bold and courageous. But you seem to belong to the category of those few
that have no spine, Dale. That’s o.k. Lucy, let us go back to serious talk. But
do you think Betty loves me? Will she accept to give me her hand in marriage?
Is she fond of me Lucy? She remained silent. I am afraid she could give me a
cold shoulder, so I put my feelings on hold. Dale waited for Lucy to respond.
Lucy put up a satisfying smile, stretched out her hand to Dale and said, ‘Let
me have my reward right away for assisting you to allay your fears.’ Dale
shrugged off his shoulder and said, ‘O.k.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">You know Betty is my friend Dale. We talk heart-to
heart. She is in ...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">TO BE
CONTINUED...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-67061147215073173322019-02-26T04:47:00.000-08:002019-02-26T04:48:29.050-08:00BRIDGES TO RELATIONSHIPS: Facts or Assumptions Written by Dr. Esther Adenike Luogon <br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">INTRODUCTION<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">All too often conflicts
erupt among friends, peers, relations and others in their interaction with one
another, basically due to communication problems. Communication is said to be
the bedrock of all forms of relationships, and a good understanding is the
hallmark of communication. Positive form of communication would attract good
and successful relationship, while negative form of communication might result
into a disintegration of relationship. Let me refresh our minds on few tips
about communication. An author defines communication as “the interchange of
ideas, facts and emotions by two or more persons by the use of words, letters
and symbols.” There are different kinds of communication- verbal and
non-verbal. At times human beings draw their conclusions by whatever
interpretations are attached to words that are spoken or actions that are
displayed. Unfortunately some of the interpretations are sometimes wrong
because they are based on false premises. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">If a class teacher is
talking to a student for example and the boy begins to fidget, the teacher
might assume one or two things, either that the boy is rude or is in a hurry to
leave, but the actual fact may be that the young boy is pressed but he is
afraid to ask the teacher to excuse him in order to attend to the call of
nature. It is obvious that due to the wrong assumptions being upheld by the teacher,
he will pass a wrong judgment on the boy and may even punish him. But if he
cares enough to find out from the boy his reason for fidgeting, definitely he
would develop a healthier attitude towards the boy. What I am reiterating in
essence is the fact that communication is often hard work. When two or more
people are engaged in any discussion, each party expects the other party to
listen to the points raised and respond appropriately, but often we get
disappointed when the feedback that is received is not in consonance with the
message that was sent...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">There was an interesting
story about two friends who happen to come from different tribes, and by
implication they speak different languages. Ojo visited his friend, Musa on one
sunny day. The latter was so excited and instead of welcoming his friend first,
he rushed into the bedroom to invite his father to come and meet with his
friend. Unfortunately the visit turned sour just because differences in their
languages were not taken into account. When Musa was rushing to call his father
he said, “Where is my father, my friend is here.” Interestingly the same
sentence Musa spoke in his language connotes a different meaning in Ojo’s
language. What Ojo heard therefore was, “Where is my cutlass, my enemy has
come.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">If you were Ojo, I guess
you would have waited for Musa, or what would you have done? In all honesty
nobody in his right mind would want to stay a second longer to watch the drama.
By the time Musa and his father came out, Ojo, his friend had disappeared into
thin air. When people are relating, cross-cultural considerations are very
helpful. Musa and Ojo are from different cultures and that affected their
relationship. This sounds like an extreme case though because if Ojo were to
wait to find out from Musa what he meant, it might be too late if Ojo’s
interpretation turned out to be correct...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">TO BE CONTINUED ...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-57707822878934553422018-07-19T16:02:00.002-07:002018-08-18T02:48:05.547-07:00WHERE ARE THE PRAYER ALTARS FOR THE NIGERIAN NATION?<br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">N.B.
Please Join us every 2<sup>nd</sup> and 4<sup>th</sup> Tuesday monthly for
Prayers for Families and the Nation at Joyful Callers Counselling Ministry’s
office, Suite 35, In God we trust Shopping Plaza, Fasakin Bus stop, along
Sawmill-Gbagi road, Ibadan. Oyo state, Nigeria. May the Lord find us dependable. Amen. (08138143021)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Dearly beloved in
Christ Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">No doubt crisis looms
over our beloved nation, Nigeria. We can no longer deny this. It is a fact! The
percentage of Christians in Nigeria are tactically being reduced through
killings of various kinds - Spiritually, physically and mentally. Spiritually
many are giving up their faith by selling their souls to Satan because they
want to get rich quick, while some are in search of “protection” having
abandoned the great Shepherd Himself. We have heard or read about such stories in
the daily Newspapers. Few years ago it was reported that a head mason in a
particular village (name withheld) was given a contract and was asked to come
with twenty bricklayers, himself inclusive. They were conveyed in a vehicle to
a place he could not identify because they were blind-folded on their way, and
when they got to the middle of nowhere the blind-folds were removed and right
before them was a vast land. They were to lay the foundation of a “church.” But
to their chagrin about twenty pillars were there and a human being was tied to
each pillar. Holes had been dug already and the instruction given to them was
to bury one person in each hole. They had to obey under duress. The people were
buried alive, and the holes cemented. After this cursed job they were returned
to their village blind-folded and before they reached their village the blinds
were taken off. They could not recognise the place they were carried to for
that demonic operation. From that day the chief mason stopped accepting any job
outside his village, and unfortunately one of the masons became mentally
deranged. Brethren, what kind of “church” is this?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Beloved
where are the Prayer Altars for our nation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Physically many others
are being killed by the so-called “Fulani-herdsmen.” When did Cattle rearers
become military personnel? Where are their staff with which they were leading
and guiding their sheep and cows in years past? They now use sophisticated weapons
to protect their cattle, from what or from who? It is a known secret that many
Christians had been slaughtered especially in the Northern parts of the
country. Think of Borno State killings, Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe, Kaduna, Benue
and most recently Plateau state killings by supposed Fulani herdsmen. Hun un! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Mentally our children
are being taught that all religions are the same, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Orun- lo- mo- eni ti- o- la</i>” (Only heavens know those who shall be
saved). This is contrary to the scriptures. John 3: 16-18, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">For God so loved the world that He gave us
His only begotten son, that whosoever believes shall not perish but have eternal
life…Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe
stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one
and only Son</i>.” It is not about claiming superiority over other religions,
Christianity is about Jesus Christ shedding His blood for the redemption of humankind.
Some of our Christian girls are being lured with money to quit Christianity. The
Bible states in 1 Timothy 6: 10, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">For the
love of money is the root of all evil.” This must stop! Let us teach our youth
to love God above materialism.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">They have mapped out
strategies about how they want to fight Christians and wipe out Christianity.
Is that not an aberration? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can any
mortal fight his creator and win? Over the centuries Christians have been
suffering persecution. Has Christianity been eliminated? No! It can never be. On
our part we do not have calculated strategies. Actually we don’t need any
because we have GOD! Halleluyah. “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">For the
weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the
knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of
Christ</i>.” (2 Cor. 10:4-5)”<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">When Solomon prayed in 2
Chronicles chapter 7 at the dedication of the temple, God answered with fire
from above (v.1) and God gave him the assurance in verse 14 that “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">if My people who are called by My name, will
humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways,
then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land</i>.”
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Where are the days of “Prayer for the Nation” every 1<sup>st</sup>
Saturday of every month? What happened to the fires on our altars of prayer?
Less than two decades ago, that was our strength as the Nigerian church. May be
in few quarters the fires are still burning, but we need to increase the
intensity of these fires! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Let the Nigerian Church
go back to the Prayer altars. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-21101254964527198152017-12-14T04:57:00.001-08:002017-12-14T04:57:40.590-08:00EMPOWERED FOR GREATNESS –PART II<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Little did Gideon
realize that God had empowered him for greatness. He was troubled about the
oppression of the Midianites, and God raised him up to deliver His people. God
sent him to war with 300 soldiers instead of the 3,000 soldiers he had prepared
earlier on, and God gave them a resounding victory. The God who empowered
Gideon for greatness at that time is still the same today and for ever. He is
still in the business of empowering His children to do exploits for Him <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Hard
work, determination and total dependence on God can change anybody’s destiny in
life. No one is born poor, neither is any born great. Everybody (old and young)
is complaining about the situation of things in our land. The challenge to all
of us who are reading this article is this: Let it be a commitment on your part
to improve our beloved nation and move on to greater heights in the committee
of nations, by preparing ourselves with the fear of God in our hearts, and be
determined to love this nation. Let us be patriots! A lot of people do not love
this nation. We want to “check out of the country.” Remember, other people
built up their own countries with, hard work, honesty, integrity and love for
the good of their fatherland. Let us wake up to our responsibilities! And the
Lord will help us. Amen! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">As a country we have
produced thousands of professionals, be they medical doctors, civil and
mechanical engineers, teachers, architects, lawyers, and what have you, yet
whenever we need the services of these professionals we will suddenly find out
that a number of them can not solve our problems. We can not trust most of our
medical experts, so the rich and powerful people run to Asia, Europe and other
countries for medical care. Is this not an anomaly? We even spend so much money
as a nation to bring in expatriate engineers to build our roads, in fact
sometimes to build our corporate buildings. What exactly is the problem?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Just
as God had empowered Gideon to be great but he knew it not until God pushed him
out of his shell, I believe that God has empowered every one of us towards
greatness. But we have to change our mind-set, work hard and make up our minds
to become great indeed. God needs us to bring about solutions to the religious,
economic and political systems of this nation. Everybody must look inwards,
have sober reflections and then declare to himself or herself that, “other
people have excelled in life, I will not be an exception.” So I say unto you my
readers, Work hard, have godly fear and strive for Excellence, I repeat, Strive
for Excellence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-7088501295518592202017-11-27T03:17:00.000-08:002017-11-27T03:17:48.645-08:00 EMPOWERED BY GOD FOR GREATNESS –PART I<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Background Story:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The man Gideon is our
text case. I will start with a background story as found in the book of Judges Chapter
6: 1- 14.The Israelites as we read in the Bible were special people unto God.
He loved them so much and He would always fight for them against their enemies.
But whenever they turned their backs against God, He in turn would use their
enemies to punish them so as to win back their attention. Let us back up a
little bit and read from Judges Chapter Four, verse 1, “<i>After Ehud died, the Israelites once again did evil in the eyes of the
LORD. So the LORD sold them into the hands of Jabin, a king of Canaan, who
reigned in Hazor…”</i> Jabin’s commander
at that time was Sisera. After 20 solid years of oppression by these people,
the Israelites cried to the LORD for help. That period Deborah, the prophetess
was in charge as a leader in Israel. She sent for Barak and told him what God
said. Barak was to lead the people to war against Sisera, the commander of
Jabin’s army. What was Barak’s reply? He told Deborah that if she was not
following him to the battle field he, Barak, would not go. He recognized that
God was with Deborah. Well, they went to fight the war and God gave Sisera into
their hands. He was killed by a woman named Jael. The Israelites were full of
jubilations after the victory (chapter 5), and in verse 31 we read that the
land of Israel had peace for 40 years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> By the time we
get to chapter 6 of the book of Judges, what do we have to say about the
Israelites? The bible states in verse 1, “Again the Israelites did evil in the
eyes of the LORD, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the
Midianites.” These people were so oppressive. The Midianites, the Amalekites
and other Eastern people invaded the land of Israel and destroyed their farm
lands. (6 v.4). By the time we get to verse 6 we see again that the Israelites
cried unto the LORD for help. Psalm 121: 1 “<i>I
will lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come? My help comes from
the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.</i>” The Israelites acknowledged the
fact that only God can help in times of crisis. As usual, God sent a prophet to
them to remind them that He is their God, and that they should not worship the
gods of the Amorites but they refused to listen to His warning. It was in the
midst of this crisis that an angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, son of
Joash, under the oak of Ophrah, and he said to Gideon, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The LORD is with you, you mighty
man of valor!” (v.12). That was strange to Gideon hence he said to the angel. “O
my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And
where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not
the LORD bring us up from Egypt? But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered
us into the hands of the Midianites.” Then the Lord turned to him and said, Go
in this might of yours , and you shall save Israel from the hand of the
Midianites. Have I not sent you?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709611345512465024.post-61463636006692749152017-04-22T03:40:00.002-07:002017-04-22T03:40:39.883-07:00THE "JOY" OF SERVING GOD<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">The journey through the trials of life is not a pleasant one at all.
If care is not taken, it can destroy a person’s life and even ministry. But it
is interesting to note that the end result of trial can be glorious when one
endures it patiently. (Rom.5:3-4)The same goes for the paradox in this thesis -
the pain of serving Him becoming a thing of Joy. How can this be?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Moses was a
beloved servant of God, a man who spoke to God face-to-face. The Bible speaks
of him as the meekest of all men. He was a man who led the Israelites for forty
good years in the wilderness. Whenever he was faced with crisis, he cried unto
the sender of the ‘great exodus’ – God, Himself. He walked with God long enough
to understand His ways. But one wonders, “Why did he disregard His command at
some point?” He was angry at the Israelites one might say, and he referred to
them as “you rebellious people.” Did God hold him guiltless? Not at all. Though
he pleaded for mercy he was not spared by God. (Deut.3: 23-27)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Servant of God, did you notice that as long as Moses was living in
obedience to God’s command, God honored him in the presence of the Israelites
because he honored God? But on that unfortunate occasion when he lost control
of his temper, little did he realize what the consequence would be. Abraham
laughed at God’s promise (Gen.17:17), Sarah also laughed, and she even told a
lie (Gen.18:12,15); the virgin Mary asked the angel,“How shall this
be…(Lk.1:31-34). And Zacharias, a priest, also asked a question, “Whereby shall
I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
(Lk.1:13-18).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"> Moses was denied
the joy of entering the long awaited for Promised Land. Is that not painful?
Zacharias was pronounced mute for a season. What was the punishment meted out
to Sarah and Mary? I hasten to add, God’s servants sometimes experience ‘pains’
in serving the Master. What God overlooks while dealing with others, He will
hold you highly responsible for same. As ministers of God we need to remind
ourselves always of this maxim, “Others may but I cannot.” <b>To remain victorious in God’s service, obedience to His commands cannot
be compromised. </b>As long as we keep honoring the Lord in our daily walk with
Him, we can be assured of the JOY of serving Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">HALLELUYAH!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Esyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14980321913104576698noreply@blogger.com0