Have you taken the time to reflect on the year from its beginning to its near conclusion? I was at home when I had a deep reflection on Thanksgiving Day. God reminded me of all he has done for me this year, and I just started praising and worshiping him. God has guided every aspect of my life this year. God gave me peace, taught me patience, and shifted my heart from things that added no value to my life—and that didn't point me towards heaven. God provided me with a path to follow, which I will discuss in more detail soon, but overall, my heart is overflowing with joy. I want to thank God that I am among the living, and I am healthy enough to move around and do things. I want to thank God for keeping my parents alive, and I know that my prayer for them for 120 years will come true. I will look back on this post and say, "Yes, indeed, God is great."
Every day should be Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for?
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When everything seems awry, I turn to God. He's always in the business of working wonders. I've realized that it's essential to share my testimony whenever I receive answers to my prayers. Sometimes, amidst life's challenges, we tend to overlook the power of prayer for the smallest things. Instead, we rely solely on our knowledge, teachings, or skills. However, putting our faith in God can yield far greater results. Even when our faith wavers, it's important to remember the teachings, like those in Matthew 7 of the Bible.
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Matthew 7:7-8 King James Version
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened
My parents instilled in me the belief that prayer is the ultimate key, and I can attest that when we pray sincerely, God sees our hearts and responds. As Matthew 17:20 in the King James Version states, faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains.
I recall a time when I had a workable target to meet. Initially, I attempted to achieve it through my own efforts, but I fell short. However, after praying to God, I not only met the target the next day but repeated the success. God has bestowed upon us the privilege to communicate with Him through prayer. His nature remains unchanged; He desires us to ask, and He will answer.
Even during times of distress, when praying seems arduous or we lack the desire, I believe God eagerly waits for us to reach out. Prayer truly unlocks doors to the impossible. With unwavering faith, I've experienced remarkable outcomes. Though challenges may arise, persistent prayer yields triumph.
Indeed, prayer possesses the power to transform any circumstance or emotion. It serves as the conduit between us and God, enabling us to receive His blessings. Let's not forget the importance of prayer amidst life's hustle and bustle.
Always remember these verses
1 John 5:14
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
Jeremiah 33:3
Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.
Important read: 34 BIBLE VERSES THAT REMIND US THAT PRAYER IS THE KEY
In times of trouble, we may find ourselves weak in prayer, but we should always remember that prayer is key and that God has given us all we need to pray to Him and receive help in times of need. Remember what a privilege it is to carry everything to God in prayer.
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
Jeremiah 33:3:
Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.
James 5:14-16:
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Matthew 21:22:
And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.
Psalm 23:1-6:
A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Luke 4:4:
And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’”
Matthew 6:33:
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:9:
Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Matthew 6:1-34:
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
Revelation 1:1-3:22:
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood
James 5:16:
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
James 5:1-20:
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days. Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. ...
James 1:27:
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
Philippians 4:6:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
John 14:14:
If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
Philippians 4:7:
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10:
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
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As you go through life, you’ll encounter situations that test your faith. You can think of these as trials that define the direction of your spiritual path. Do well, and you’ll emerge stronger. Do poorly, and your life will start getting out of control.
In this post, we take a look at some of the signs you’re being tested and what they mean.
You’re Being Asked To Sacrifice Something
While we might like to have it all in life, it’s not possible. Time, money, and resources are all limited. Eventually, we have to make decisions about what can stay, and what must go.
We have examples of sacrifice in the Bible, notably when Abraham offered up his son Isaac on the mountain as a test of faith.
In life, you will face similar tests. You may have to sacrifice a career for a family or time for a project that you want to complete. Whatever it is, giving something up is a test of faith that everything will be okay in the end.
You’re Being Asked To Give Up Control
God is always probing our hearts, trying to figure out what we’re made of. The idea is that we surrender and place our total trust in our faith. Doing this is a kind of proof that we’re giving everything over to a higher power.
Tests of the heart come in all shapes and sizes. Some involve work, while others can affect your health.
Through these processes, we come to be stronger people. If we can show faith in the most challenging of conditions, then it means that the rest of our lives will be a breeze.
Things to keep an eye on in life are things that deal with our emotions and how we treat other people. These factors may have a detrimental impact on our future.
*1. Fear
Prevents you from seizing opportunities.
*2. Ignorance
*2. Ignorance
Prevents you from making good decisions.
*3 Anger
*3 Anger
Prevents you from seeing clearly.
*4. Envy
*4. Envy
Prevents you from focusing on yourself.
I am a product of God's mercy and healing power. Grace has carried me throughout my life. God loves me so deeply that I can't tell it all. My heart is overflowing with gratitude, and all I can say is thank you, Jesus. My health has been in shambles for a while, and I told God that you'll be with me whatever happens. There were fear and unpleasant thoughts, but God was with me through it all.
I believe I needed to rest and comprehend a lot of what was going on around me because God continued offering me reasons to trust him. I had to learn to relax and take things easy. This illness taught me, patience, endurance, and true profound love, as well as the fact that God is real. God has been executing a million amazing miracles since my birthday this year. My heart is overflowing with gratitude, and all I want to do is keep worshipping him. This breath in my lungs is something I don't take for granted since there have been days when I feared for my life, days when I wondered what would happen if you fell asleep and didn't wake up. There was a day I hallucinated throughout the night due to the side effect of the drugs I took and couldn't sleep until morning.
If you're reading this and you're hoping for a miracle, keep your trust in God strong and never give up because God is real. Words fail me when it comes to expressing my feelings. I owe a great debt of gratitude to my parents for teaching me how to pray and for instilling in me the importance of putting God first above all else. God set me free, healed my body and saved my life. I am already loved by God and that is enough for me.
On July 8, 2021, I will receive my Master's Degree in Business Administration and also attend the graduation ceremony. God has a lot in store for me. If there's anything else I'd like to add, it's that God exists and that he hears and responds to prayers.
It is the Million big miracles for me.
Shiloh 2020 'Turnaround Encounters
1. The reward of service is more service.
2. The subject of instruction is what you can never outgrow in life.
3. Giant is made by asking giant questions and making giant enquires.
4.You are as limited as the inquiries you make.
5. Nobody regrets serving God.
6.You are limited in height by the instructions you take.
7.Protection is inside instruction.
8. Those who give thanks don't run empty tanks.
Clean up if you want God to show up.
There are things you need to put off before God can step in.
Ministering, monetization through vlogging and blogging as a Christian believer or Church.
As we all know we are in the internet age and our duties as believers are to capitalize on different tools to reach out to people. This is a great way to channel your own inner desire to share God’s message while doing what you love.
Matthew 28:19-20
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (New King James Version (NKJV).
As a Christian living in this time, not everyone shows up to the church, and using the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 that placed restrictions on worshiping together as brethren, this brought the realization of the importance of a Christian understanding the use of these tools to preach Gods word including monetization of your platform as a vlogger/blogger.
Some people like to watch videos while some like to read, so this is where the difference between a blog and vlog for ministering alongside monetizing your platform comes in.
Today we are going to be focusing more on blogging than vlogging because this is a very broad topic.
What is a blog?
A blog is an online journal or informational website displaying information.
Who is a vlogger?
A vlogger is somebody who creates and uploads a video blog to pass for informational or learning purposes.
What is the purpose of a Christian blog/vlog?
The main purpose of a Christian blog is to connect you to the relevant audience and content while teaching the word of God. This entails equipping a web page with tools to make the process of writing, posting, linking, and sharing content easier on the internet.
Christian blogging is a way to take the Gospel to the people where they are. More and more people are turning to the online world to find answers and information on a variety of topics – including Jesus Christ! Starting a ministry blog is such a life-changing experience – both for you as a Christian individual, the church as an organization, and for those who come across your content. We are no longer bound by the confines of our church because the Internet makes it possible for us to connect with others literally around the planet.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020
POWER IN PRAYER
TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7
BIBLE TEXT: Philippians 4:4-7
Charles Spurgeon postulated that "True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance. It is far deeper than that -it is a spiritual transaction with the Creator of Heaven and Earth." This comment about prayer is quite instructive. Prayer is a spiritual exercise. It is talking with God as a child does with his or her earthly father. The Bible contains promises which cover every aspect of our lives. Jesus advises His disciples to always pray and not to faint or be discouraged. Prayerlessness leads to murmuring, complaining, and defeat. The Bible has records of youths who were prayerful and succeeded in their Christian lives. Young people like Daniel, Jabez, and David were known for prayers. God answered their prayers and that is why we can still hear about them today. There is power in prayer to bring down solutions to your problems. Are you facing challenges in school, home, or place of work? Spend quality time talking to God about your needs and He will surely answer you. Make all your requests known to your Heavenly Father who cares about you.
Challenge: Pray until you breakthrough.
Prayer: Lord, teach me how to pray.
Quote: There is power in prayer.
In the world, bearing your father's name as your last name is now a tradition that has eaten deeply into the minds of people. Have you ever wondered why 80 per cent of persons on earth bear their father's name as their last name? To be frank I know you haven't because it has done on you as a tradition that you must bear your father's name as your last name.
The question is does your mother and you as a woman, not have equal rights of choice as your father/husband?
Years ago, women education was seen as an irrelevant subject to discuss on, women were married out early to men they knew little or nothing about, they had to obey and do as it pleases their husbands because they had no contributions to the family. Women gave birth and the men named the children and the children bear their father's name as their last name. Women had little or no life than bearing children and taking care of their homes. This led to early marriage, woman slavery etc. But there's one most important thing that this act gave birth to. It gave birth to a tradition that has consumed the minds of women till date even as they are now educated, business-minded and productive.
When a person is not educated he/she has less knowledge of things going on around them. This was the problem that captured women into accepting such a tradition of answering their husband's name after marriage. In recent times, the world has tried to correct itself and we have moved and grown to understand the importance of education for everyone as it can help the world to become a better place. Women and men go to school and sit in the same classroom, work the same jobs and basically do the same functions. Why do women marry and still change their last name to their husband's name?
This was born out of a tradition that never favoured women, women were seen as less and had no power to anything in the old-time since all they contributed was nothing, hence decisions were made by their husbands. This tradition is the one that sees the man superior to the woman in all things. Most especially the last name of a child. God created man and woman, a woman was never an afterthought she has always been part of the man. So both the man and woman have equal rights to the child but the mother plays a vital role in the birth and upbringing of the child so she has more rights to the child than the man. So why should the child answer the father's name?
Women go through childbirth. Some die in the process, no one remembers their names, nothing to continue their names. But a man's linage continues by his name. This is sad. Women do almost all the training of a child, some while working and some a full time stay home mum. Yet women are seen as less and no name acknowledgement is given to us. If a woman dies her name never continues, the man remarries and both the children of his new wife and late wife bears his name. If a man dies the children still bears his name.
If you say this act of taking after a man's name is tradition and you really want to keep to the traditions of your land and what your forefathers taught you then you need to keep to all the traditions. There are lots of traditions we do not follow, the truth is we pick what favours us by choice.
Children should have the right to choose which names they want to answer:
In essence, why should a child bear just their father's name as his/her last name? Why not the mother's name? A woman carries her child for nine months most times more or less. she endured the pain and gives birth, starts taking care of the child right from her body and yet she gets no acknowledgement. The man names the child, the child takes his name, the woman being his wife answers his name.
PS: If you say names are used as a means of identification, please do not forget that people answer the same names and so this is not even an excuse to continue this.
This is a total look down on women, our name and where we come from means a lot and should be strongly acknowledged. Children should be allowed to bear their mother's name, women should have the choice of answering their husband's name or not. Women have been looked down on for a long time and it is time for the things that matter to men to also matter to women.
The choice is yours, please stand firm to stop this tradition that started a long time ago which was born out of the look-down on women.
I am very open to hearing your views, please let me know what your take on this tradition is.
Today is the 1st of January 2020, and I am so excited about my new projects and family. I wish you all a happy new year and a beautiful, stress-free vision for 2020.
Photo by Jill Wellington from Pexels
While you are setting the table for Thanksgiving, filled with lots of salads, bread, rice, wine, stuffing
cranberry sauce, butternut squash, gravy, pumpkin pie, Mashed Potatoes, and the big thanksgiving turkey do not forget the essence of gathering together.
We started with God at the beginning of the year and we must finish well by coming back to thank him for all that he has done.
This is the season of thanksgiving and it is a great season to be alive. It has been all God from the beginning of the year and to the end of the year 2019. God is always expecting thanksgiving. He looks forward to it. In the Bible, it was recorded in Luke 17:11-19 (Kjv) the importance of being thankful.
11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
Ungratefulness is a big tool that can hinder you from getting the best from God. In all situations be thankful. A lot of people think or feel there are no reasons to be thankful in the year 2019, but we have lots of reasons to be thankful. Some people weren't even able to secure a job in 2019 but they never went to bed hungry, for some it's was divine healing. This is a season to thank God. God is expecting thanksgiving from everyone.
Interesting read: Thanksgiving outfit idea.
If you are still searching for reasons to be thankful here are 5 reasons to be thankful to God.
1. Be thankful for the disappointments
There are stories of people who were supposed to board a flight and they did everything to get to the airport on time but weren't able to but a few minutes later they found out that the flight crashed few minutes after takeoff. Sometimes disappointment is a blessing and we might not understand it but it becomes clearer with time. Be thankful for those sad times that made you rediscover yourself. God is watching over us and for the disappoints he has set for us to be here today we should be thankful. When God delivers you from something and you don't give thanks to him, you are being ungrateful which might be because you feel that what God has done for you is nothing major. Some people think all that happened to them is by their power.
2. Be thankful that you can blink
You never know how important the little things you have are until you lose them. Most times when we talk about Thanksgiving we write lots of things that involve money and provisions by God in general but we forget that there are people with money that can't solve their health issues. The fact that you can blink your eyes is too much reason to be thankful. Be thankful for good health.
If there are words for Him then I don't have them. My brain has not yet reached the point to form a thought that could adequately describe the greatness of my God. My lungs have not yet developed the ability to release a breath to breathe out the greatness of his love. My voice is so inhabited restrained by human limits that it's hard to even sing the praise that he deserves. if there are words for Him then I don't have them. My God is grace is remarkable, merciful are innumerable, strength is impenetrable, he is honorable, accountable, faithful, he is unsearchable yet knowable, indefinable yet approachable, indescribable yet personal, beyond comprehension, further than imagination, King if every nation. If there are words for Him then I don't have them. Trying to capture the one true God using my vocabulary will never do. This is an expression of worship to a savior who is both worthy and deserving of my praise. My heart will bless his name forever. He has defeated me in my rebellion, conquered me in my sin and welcomed me into his presence. Followed me with mercies in the morning and journeyed me grace in the night.
Sometimes, I have a lot on my mind to write about but can hardly figure out how to put them down in words. I stare at my laptop, changing topics, starting paragraphs that I never finish. This morning I woke up a bit worried about my face and how poor my facial care has been. I opened my laptop hoping to continue writing one of the previous articles which I already started but little or no idea was forthcoming. Tho mornings are pretty refreshing for me but I found myself writing words that didn't blend together. I have been stressed and needed some rest but at the same time, I also needed to update my website.
Thinking about one of the most controversial issues in Nigeria at the moment, about the founder and leader of the Commonwealth Of Zion Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo who have been accused of sexual assault by Busola Dakolo, is a warning to every leader to recheck and restructure. There are things in which Ministers and Pastors both male and female should always consider and carefully follow these rules to avoid situations that can lead them into temptation or expose them to unpleasant situations.
All over the world, this act happens every day. A serious allegation and should be looked into carefully. When a pastor is accused of such, it affects him and his ministry as a whole. It takes the grace of God for the church to stand. There are wicked people in the world hiding under the umbrella of religion and doing evil, we should not also forget that there are also people in the world looking for great people who uphold religion to bring them down. Nobody is perfect which brings us to the reason why Pastors, Ministers, Leaders, or anyone holding a delicate office in the Christiandom should follow these rules and put things in place right now if they haven't done so.
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Do not have a secretary of the opposite Gender. Man and Woman of God, even the Bible says in the book of Romans 13:14, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Making provision for the flesh is the opposite of fleeing temptation. We make provision for our flesh when we accommodate things that lead to sin, by so doing we are actually making preparations for sinning. Employing a female secretary as a man is making provision for sin (Vice versa). Having a male travel assistant as a woman of God is making provision for sin. Do not open doors for tempting situations and expect the devil not to use it against you or make you fall into temptation. Do not visit Church members alone, whether it is a family or a single brother or sister. When you are going for a visit inform a worker in the Church to go with you. Be careful because the devil is working tirelessly to bring down the Church and usher more people into hell.
Tithing has been one of the most trending issues patterning giving in the Church and people have different ideas about tithing but the answer is in the Bible. As a Minister of God, it is advisable that you are not in charge of Church funds. Always remember that a clean heart and hand are very important not only before God but also before man. Money has power and can make one lose focus if we don't watch it. There are trusted members in the church that can follow up with the Church fund organization. As a Pastor or a Minister of God, money can be tempting and can also bring conflicts in your Ministry or Church. This is very delicate as even the Bible made us know in the book 1 Timothy 6:10 King James Version (KJV), For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Counselling hours. I am very sure a lot of people have heard stories of counselling sessions going wrong. Ministers and Pastors should have security cameras in their offices, one trusted Church leader should always be inside the counselling room or Pastors office during counselling sessions. Stop every form of counselling that falls during late hours.
Prayer and counselling pattern. It is very clear that different people have different ministries in Christendom and we pray to the same God but in different ways. As a Pastor please be careful where you lay your hands on. If you are a male Pastor and issues that focus on sensitive parts of the female body are brought to you, it is wise to speak the word instead of laying hands (Vice versa with female leaders). A clear example of faith manifested in the Bible can be found in the book of Matthew 14: 22-33, which shows that our words are powerful and backed up by God. God can never be put to shame. Believe in his word and do his will and he will confirm his word. Miracles are done by God not man. Don't send the wrong information while trying to do the right thing. This can be seen as sexual harassment by the lady. He is Jehovah Rapha (The Lord your healer). The name of Jesus is above anything you can name and it means it has authority over all situations. 2 Corinthians 5:7 New King James Version (NKJV) For we walk by faith, not by sight.
The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. Mattew 8:8.
Matthew 11:28-29 NLT says, Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Jeremiah 30:17 King James Version (KJV)
17 For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.
John 14:13 Read more.
Acts 3. Read more.
This is not an attack on the church's history, but rather an attempt to improve and correct some acts. I am writing from my experience as a Deeper Life child. We are not perfect, but the heavenly race is personal, and I pray that every parent that reads this understands it properly. Amen.
Growing up in a strong Christian home, I knew nothing besides school and church. I wasn't allowed to do a lot of things; things as simple as wearing dark sunglasses were considered things of the world. I wondered and thought about it a lot in my heart. My parents focused more on building my spiritual life, which isn't bad, than on my social life. I was a very reserved child growing up. I couldn't play with some children because they were considered "worldly." I really wanted to associate with other people, but as they say, the more you draw us back, the more curious we become, and we tend to want to discover more.
It is a great privilege to know about Jesus Christ and to be born into a Christian home, but there are certain things that most Christian parents, especially Deeper Life parents, fail to expose growing children and teenagers too, and it affects them so much. I have spoken to a lot of Deeper Lifers, especially youths, and I have gotten almost the same answer as to why they left the church or why they departed from practicing the doctrines of the church. Deeper Life is a church that preaches sound doctrine and the pure word of God, but most parents have failed in certain ways because we live in a world where socializing and knowing the basics of life are needed.
There are certain behaviors and mistakes that Deeper Life parents have made in the past that need to be corrected.
not giving reasons: I grew up as a deeper life child, and I am still one. Most teachings are focused on the heavenly race and making heaven, which is the most important thing, but you will agree with me that we live in a world full of humans and not angels. Parents fail to teach their children and teenagers about facing life. This is totally different from giving instructions, attending youth seminars, and attending an endless number of December and Easter retreats. What you hear more of is, "I don't want to ever see you standing with a boy," "don't disgrace me," "never bring a girl to my house," "do you want me to be disciplined?" "You are from a Christian home for Christ's sake," etc. They do not effectively pass any message to us about life and our body. This leaves our hearts void and wondering. As a child of the deeper life, I had so many questions, some of which are yet to be answered. I wondered why I couldn't do a lot of things, and it made me anticipate growing up. Most Deeper Life-born children, when exposed, misuse the opportunity due to a lack of proper communication with their parents and do not understand the reason why an action or activity is said to be bad. Parents spend hours advising and giving instructions without passing on any information.
Be straightforward with teachings that concern life. If you indulge in sexual activities, you will get pregnant. Discuss with your children, teach them practically to be bold, hear their views, and understand their mindset about life. Lots of Deeper Life parents only teach their children about the Bible, but what about life? Instead of always telling them that other people are unbelievers and they are expected to stay away from them, the Bible commands us to do so. Well, like most of them do, when they leave home and are away from their parents, they seek answers and go in search of them because parents fail to give reasons as to why certain things are said to be wrong, but instead, they just give instructions and back them up with the Bible, forgetting that we face humans and not words.
Forced attendance at church (punishment and flogging a child to Christ): The Bible says (Proverbs 22:6), Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. What is the meaning of "train"? According to the dictionary, it means "to teach (a person or animal) a particular skill or type of behavior through sustained practice and instruction." (instruct, teach, coach, tutor, give lessons to, school, educate, upskill, edify, prime, demonstrate something to, make something clear too). People often use this verse as a guarantee that if you raise your children "in the discipline and instruction of the Lord," the child will stay that way. Sometimes the reason most teenagers depart from it is because of the hard way their parents push them toward God. I can remember my dad flogging my brothers for missing church. When it comes to teaching a teenager about the Bible, it is best that you communicate effectively and not forcefully, because most Deeper Life children attended church because of the fear of being flogged, or punished, or because it was a normal tradition in their homes, so they didn't understand the Bible truly and never experienced what it means to be born again. The Bible says in Ephesians 6:4: "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
What is the meaning of "nurture"?
(Care for and protect someone or something while they are growing.) to bring up, care for, provide for, take care of, attend to, look after, rear, support, and raise.
What is the meaning of "admonition"? (a firm warning or reprimand, which is a formal expression of disapproval.)
You don't beat a child or teenager to Christ; you teach and lead them to Christ. By punishing them, they become rebellious to you as a parent and to the church leaders, and they tend to go against church rules because, after all, it all ends up in the normal punishment, and all they do is wait until they are of age to make decisions and leave the church. Deeper Life: Growing youths are always itching to leave the church; some don't even want to identify with the church when they are of age. Because of their upbringing and stress, they do not want to be associated with anything related to Deeper Life Church.I remember going to church three times a week, but I never understood why. I was under the authority of my parents, and since I was being forced to attend church, I obeyed every instruction and got used to the routine without understanding the actual essence and importance of going to church. Deeper Life Bible Church has lost a lot of youth due to this style of discipline. Most youth still believe in the teachings, but because of the lifestyle they faced growing up, they leave the church when they can.
Trusting other members easily: Even in the church, we have to be careful. After I finished my primary education, I wrote my common entrance examination and passed. My dad decided to take us to a school to write the school entrance examination. I remember my brother getting a much higher score than me and getting an express entry while I was waiting to be considered. I didn't fail, but the competition was high, so they needed to evaluate the results of people with an average score, so they asked my parents to wait alongside other parents. While waiting in the car to hear from the school, I can not remember if it was my mom or my dad who first saw this man called Chris Nwankwo, but I can clearly remember that one of them approached him to ask some questions, and as usual, they asked if he was a born-again Christian, and that was when they found out he was a member of Deeper Life. They were so happy and instantly introduced me to him, saying that he would be my guardian. My mom even spoke our native language to him, telling him that "I am his child in the Lord." I was very young and happy because I have been trained to see all members of Deeper Life as true believers in Jesus Christ. Well, I got admission, and my parents sewed long, oversized uniforms and daywear for me. I wasn't looking smart at all, but I was excited to attend boarding school. I couldn't sleep the preceding day, and so I stayed awake packing and unpacking my box. I was so happy. After we checked in at the school, my parents called Mr. Chris and gave him some money to keep for me, instructing me to always go to him each time I needed something. I did as instructed, but each time I got there, he would always welcome me with a tight hug that felt really uncomfortable, but my mind had already been set to see him as a saint since he is a Deeper Life member. Besides, don't forget that my parents barely even knew him. The hug graduated to back rubs, then lower back rubs, until one day he boldly rubbed my thighs and I ran out of his office, never to come back for anything. My dad called and said your guardian has not been seeing you, and I replied, "Dad, I don't want him to be my guardian anymore." Well, guess the reply from my dad: "He is our brother in the Lord and has been asking of you." The trust that Deeper Life members give to fellow members is unbelievable. Up until now, they never found out why I stopped going to that man's office and decided to keep my money by myself.
It is only God who sees the heart. I know most times they mean well, but such careless acts in Christendom have to stop. You commit a young girl to a man all because he attends the same church as you. Remember, even Deep Lifers have blood flowing through their veins; they are humans and can also be tempted. After all, Jesus Christ was tempted.
It is only God who sees the heart. I know most times they mean well, but such careless acts in Christendom have to stop. You commit a young girl to a man all because he attends the same church as you. Remember, even Deep Lifers have blood flowing through their veins; they are humans and can also be tempted. After all, Jesus Christ was tempted.
"And GOD saw that man's wickedness was great on the earth, and that every imagination of his heart was only evil constantly."Genesis 6:5, KJV
"Above all, the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked: who can know it?"Jeremiah 17:9, KJV.
"And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man." "For evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these evil things proceed from within and defile the man."Mark 7:20–23, KJV.
Resurrection of Jesus
Christ is risen. What a privilege to be identified amongst the body christ. The power that raised Him from the grave Now works in us to powerfully save. He frees our hearts to live His grace; Go tell of His goodness.
Wishing you all, a beautiful Easter celebration. Do not forget the reason for the season.
Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia,
our triumphant holy day; alleluia,
who did once upon the cross; alleluia,
suffer to redeem our loss; alleluia!
Hymns of praise then let us sing; Alleluia,
unto Christ our heavenly king; alleluia,
who endured the cross and grave; alleluia,
sinners to redeem and save: alleluia!
But the pains which he endured; Alleluia,
our salvation have procured; alleluia,
now above the sky he's King; alleluia,
where the angels ever sing: alleluia!
From "Surrexit Christus hodie", anon., C14, trans. John Baptist Walsh in Lyra Davidica, 1708
This playlist is to remind you that Jesus was Scourged and Crucified for your sake. The meaning of Easter is Jesus Christ's victory over death. His resurrection symbolizes the eternal life that is granted to all who believe in Him. The meaning of Easter also symbolizes the complete verification of all that Jesus preached and taught during His three-year ministry. If He had not risen from the dead, if He had merely died and not been resurrected, He would have been considered just another teacher or Rabbi. However, His resurrection changed all that and gave final and irrefutable proof that He was really the Son of God and that He had conquered death once and for all. Keep reading.
More about music
More about music
Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. Most people are aware that good Friday is observed during the Holy Easter Week as part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday, and may coincide with the Jewish observance of Passover. It is also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, and Black Friday. Members of many Christian denominations, including the Anglican, Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist, Oriental Orthodox, and Reformed traditions, observe Good Friday with fasting and church services.
Since good Friday happens to be a holiday, here are things you can do on this special Easter holiday.
Pray and Fast:
Well, as Christians we are to watch and pray and this is a good time to pray and connect with the heavens.
Worship:
Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus already did it all and that is enough reason to soak yourself in worship today.
Praise:
To praise is to express respect and gratitude. You can praise God for the opportunity of seeing another Easter Friday and for all he has done for you.
Show Love:
You can show love on Good Friday, by visiting charity homes, street beggars, and the less privileged. Remember Jesus showed love even on the cross of Calvary.
Reconcile:
I believe that when special months and days that celebrate Jesus come around God pours out blessings to his people. What more can hinder your blessings if not sin. This is the best time to reconcile and let go. Today, Jesus died that you might be saved, leave your burdens at the cross and he will bear them for you.
Stay blessed.
Pray and Fast:
Well, as Christians we are to watch and pray and this is a good time to pray and connect with the heavens.
Worship:
Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus already did it all and that is enough reason to soak yourself in worship today.
Praise:
To praise is to express respect and gratitude. You can praise God for the opportunity of seeing another Easter Friday and for all he has done for you.
Show Love:
You can show love on Good Friday, by visiting charity homes, street beggars, and the less privileged. Remember Jesus showed love even on the cross of Calvary.
Reconcile:
I believe that when special months and days that celebrate Jesus come around God pours out blessings to his people. What more can hinder your blessings if not sin. This is the best time to reconcile and let go. Today, Jesus died that you might be saved, leave your burdens at the cross and he will bear them for you.
Stay blessed.
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