Transform your image

You are not defined by your mistakes, do not let them determine your identity.

Salvation comes from Jesus who lives in you not as a result of your religious disposition 

Romans 6:4 KJV

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

The cry for holiness is not a tool  for self condemnation but a cry for us to protect our identity in Christ 

In genuine repentance every fall should serve as a spring board pushing you ever closer to who God has called you to be. 

IT IS WELL.

Romans 6:13 KJV

[13] Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

Stay in Peace

A ship does not sink because of the mass of water that surrounds it but if the water gets inside of it 

Protect your inner sanctuary and be careful of what you let into your secret place

We may not be able to stop the negativity that exist outside pain, hurt, disappointment, turmoil, unfair situations, recession but we can choose not to let it be rooted in our hearts.

Like David and Joseph do not dwell on anxiety, disappointment, betrayal, Stop reliving the hurt and pain and Let go of the guilt and shame.

Whatever you ponder constantly in your heart, you put on a throne. Put God on your throne not negativity. Stay in Peace and let him fight your battles, heal every wound and reverse every wrong.

Philippians 4:8 KJV

[8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Listen

Many times God speaks through a still small voice.

If we are attentive our God is in the business of providing a means of escape from troubles for us.

1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV

[13] There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Do not ignore the red flags, still warnings through dreams, promptings, or a sense of unease.

Let Peace be an Umpire, If it sounds good but does not feel right, then take a moment, pause and seek the face of God for further direction. It is Well.

Romans 8:14 KJV

[14] For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Eagle ability

Judges 6:12 KJV

[12] And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.

But Gideon considering his worldly qualification replies Judges 6:15 KJV

[15] And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.

Get rid of the Chicken mentality and imbibe an Eagle's ability.

Every morning check your spiritual certificate, turn off every negative recording and declare who and what God has called you to be. 

Deut 28:13 I am the head and not the tail.

1 Peter 2:9 Chosen, Holy, Royal, a Priest, Peculiar and called forth to show God's praises.

Mark 16:17-18 Called for signs and wonders

Jeremiah 1:5 Called to be a prophet to the nations.

Gal 3:13 Redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness and poverty. 

Timothy 1:7 KJV

[7] For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

No more limitations, It is well.

Your World

You may no direct control over events that affect the world but you can influence what happens in your world.

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Do not let the social, cultural and economic factors of this world influence you. Rather renew your mind and let Gods word be the main factor that rocks your world.

Stay blessed.

Divine Instincts for Increase

Luke 17:12-19 Ten lepers were healed but only one returns, causing Jesus to ask "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?"

Even without being commanded by Jesus, one of the nine lepers had the divine instinct to go back in gratitude to the source of his healing consequently he received an increase "And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole". 

Mat 25:14-30

The parable of the talents, the master gave his three servants talents according to their several ability. With no further instruction he leaves on a journey. Two of the three servants traded with their talents and doubled it (divine instinct). The last one lacking divine revelation buries his and is punished for his ignorance.

Some people are led by instructions. 

Great people are led by instincts.

Let us pray for the the divine instinct to increase. The ability to look at what you have and perceive how to make it better. 

Good day soldiers of Christ

60 DoSH (DAY 30)

It promised to be a good day, I thought I had a plan but things seem to be panning out quite differently.

Walking into church during praise and worship, feels awkward. I sit and try to settle into the service but I struggle. 

I struggle with not serving God the way I would love to.

I struggle with why my heart is struggling with being in church

I struggle with how am going to have to better handle family and church

I struggle with how my heart can play a more participatory role in church 

I struggle with spiritual battles that seem to want to put me out

Lord help my struggles.

60 DoSH (Day 12)

He has given me victory, I will lift him higher Jehovah I will lift him higher.

My time in the presence of the Lord, thank you Lord for divine answers. I am not to defend myself, Jehovah it is you I serve, you see my heart, you know all things, have mercy on me. Arise oh Lord! on my behalf and let the truth alone prevail.

60 DoSH (Day 11)

I didn't sleep much last night, I know the Lord is at work but am a little apprehensive as to how he is going to accomplish it. Trust in him Joyce, he has never failed you. 

Still feels slightly different going to church on Sunday, I begin to doubt if I will ever shake off this feeling. 
Note to self: Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to carry on despite fear. 

Got to keep keeping on.

LOVE NEVER FAILS

Matthew 26:34-35 KJV

[34] Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

[35] Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples. 

Peter boasted in the flesh (self effort), hours later he does what he swore not to.

60 DoSH (Day 10)

Thank you Lord three days of not being in my parish feels like three weeks so good to be here.

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man so are children of the youth Psalm 127:4

Thank you Lord for these little ones, may your blessings abide with them.

Father my arrows will never be a source of disgrace in my family, they are for signs and wonders.

De ja vu

So am in the house, feels strange to be inside after these months. 

I can't help but wonder before things were different I would have been at the house early to help in the planing. 

So much damage, but am at peace because beauty sometimes springs up from ugly scenarios.

A feeling of de ja vu, my baby is happy to be see me, happy to see her too. 

Movie time I watch.

60 DoSH (DAY 9)

Unapologetically awesome time in the presence of the Lord.

My babies have not quit so I refuse to quit.

It's a struggle not to get distracted in church with the different thoughts in my head, MIND I subject you under the obedience of Christ Jesus.

60DoSh - 1 week 1day later

Glad to be here today.

The privilege to be able to worship and glorify your holy name is not to be taken for granted. My babies are always here ready with my hugs. 

That I may know him (Part 3)

I must die daily to the flesh so that the resurrection power of Christ might be made more abundantly manifest in my life.

60DoSh (Day 7)

Thank you Lord for a glorious time in your presence.

I had wondered if I will get rusty over these few months, but today I know for sure that cannot be. With the flood in church, instincts kicked in and I refuse to quit till the auditorium was ready for service thank you Lord.

What a ministration! Lord I need a seed to tie into the prophesy of everlasting mercy in my life. If that be the only legacy I leave for my children, let it be mercy. 

Joyous celebration

60 DoSh (Day 6)

Thank you Lord for keeping me still, had service at the baby parish, glorious to see what the Lord is doing there. Oh what a pleasure to see the hearts of men and women burning for the Lord, am able to set aside my selfish worries and just focus on the author and finisher of my faith.

Awesome

Is it the acting, the dramatization, prophetic words, the songs or instruments. Cannot really say, all I know is that it promises to be an awesome time in the presence of the Lord.

I should know cause I have partaken in this ministration not too long ago.

So make it a date hope to see you there ...Shalom

60 DoSh (Day 5)

Being taken out of the prayer group filled me with dread about today but a phone call last night soothed my soul. 

Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted

60 DoSh Day 4

Sunday service not as bad as it would seem, Lord put the enemy to shame in my life.

Open heavens for today reads that the motive behind every action will be called into question. Where men have perverted the truth and told lies in my name, Father bring them to repentance.

60 Days of Spiritual hiatus

Day 3 progresses am a little tense, how am I going to sit through this vigil. Vigils can be quite hectic, I feel bad for my team I won't be able to be of assistance to them.

But the Lords work will always be done for if men are unwillingly, the Lord will raise stones to praise him.

Hope I don't sleep off from being too comfortably sitted. 

Note to self: Put plenty of sweets in bag.

60 Days of Spiritual hiatus (Day 2)

I struggled with being at service today, different thoughts run through my mind after all your presence/service is not particularly required. 

Is that why you were always there, to sustain the myth of being needed. Questions that may not have come if not this spiritual exercise. Questions that peel away the physical aspects of religion in a bid to expose the core of my belief.

60 Days of Spiritual hiatus

Day 1

Feels strange sitting down in church haven't done that in at least two years.

Mixed feelings run through me, shame, disappointment, anger, failure and pain but hope and peace comes knocking and I know am going to be okay.

Yes let's see when the opportunity to serve is taken away if the joy of salvation will remain, I have to remember I failed the first test must not fail this one. It is your work Lord and if you have destined that I let it be,then it must be for my spiritual growth and I must use it wisely, not grudgingly not in sorrow.

Prayer Lessness

Over the course of knowing and serving God, the Holy Spirit has revealed so much as I have learnt to first crawl and then walk the path of salvation. 

From time to time I hope to share these lessons with you.

A Life devoid of prayers is a landing pad for evil.

One sure move by the enemy to enable evil access the life of a child of God is to first weaken their prayer life.

When you cannot seem to get alone time with God, so busy in the morning or too tired at night, then sometime is definitely wrong. Wake up! Wake up from your spiritual slumber and fight Matt 26:40-41.

Fight for your soul is at stake.

Pray Until Something Happens (PUSH)

It seemed like the convention ground children of God were walking towards the new auditorium. A man highlighted from a car parked way ahead, he opened the boot of the car and took out vile creatures and set them on the road. A snake and alligator began to tussle and panic issued as everyone ran back in fear.

Twice the crowd tried to go forward each time someone screamed snake and this sent people running back. Interestingly neither the snake or the alligator bit anyone but served as hindrances.

Let us pray

Num 22:22 That the Lord should kindle his anger against every hindrance to our Amen 

2Pet 2:4  Decree that the Lord arrest every monitoring and hindering spirit that has been unleashed upon your progress and return them back to the pit of hell.

Call on the fire of the Holy Ghost to consume every physical and spiritual blockage that has been set up against you fulfilling destiny.

Psalm 70:2 Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt.

DISAPPOINTED

The shame of disappointment
knowing how much you just hurt your family and loved ones
People that you truly cared about, who believed and trusted in your capabilities
You let them, yourself and most importantly your maker down.

Yes your words, and actions was a shock and huge disappointment.
You see the anxiety, the pain, and uncertainty in the eyes of the ones that trusted you.
These ones you have to work hard to regain their trust.
You also confirmed the suspicions of those that have initially doubted your sincerity.

You sense the condemnation, tactical withdrawal and negativity in their words.
These ones you may choose to avoid, they never believed in you in the first place

Good Mother

What does it take to have a baby

To have sex with no protection

To persevere through pain to birth life

To instinctively respond to the needs of another

The gods are not to be blamed

You never take out time to call me and when I do you never pick up the phone

You only want to see me when its convenient for you 

On rare days spread miles apart

Yet you wonder why we seem to be drifting apart

Yes I CAN

" I must confess that I didn't think I would do well. Never again will I say a task is impossible without first trying". 

That was the honest confession of my 18 yr old brother after wining first place in Javelin an athletic sport he had never undertaken before. You can imagine his disbelief after a 30mins practice session  and competing afterwards in his school's sports field events translated into him walking off with the gold medal.

Just to think that I had always preached to him about the benefits of the I CAN attitude, but does he listen to me, oh no! it took Javelin to bring him to that ground breaking realization.

Consequently I must add that the place of sports should not be neglected in our primary and secondary schools. Asides from the physical health benefits of engaging in out door activities, these young lads also gain life lessons while participating in sports competition. As they appreciate the joy of winning, and deal with the disappointment of losing (when your best is just not good enough), gain an understanding of the concept of team work and the see the results of hard work and conscientious effort towards achieving a goal (gold medal in this case).

Good job Francis we are proud of your achievements................................JCOG

Love is in the air

Someone sent this I had to share

HARDCORE TRUTH ABOUT MARRIAGE! !!!!

1. There is nothing that threatens the security of a wife than the thought of another woman competing for the attention and affection of her husband. Nothing is more painful. Nothing is more disrespecting. Nothing is more insulting. Nothing is more belittling and degrading.

2. Marriage flourishes when the couple works together as a team; when both husband and wife decide that winning together is more important than keeping score.

Good marriages don't just happen. They are a product of hard work.

3. Your children are watching you and forming lasting opinions on love, commitment, and marriage based on what they see in you. Give them hope. Make them look forward to marriage.

4. Husbands: The reason why other women look attractive is because someone is taking good care of them. Grass is always green where it is watered. Instead of drooling over the green grass on the other side of the fence, work on yours and water it regularly. Any man can admire a beautiful woman, but it takes a true gentleman to make a woman admirable and beautiful.

5. When a husband puts his wife first above everyone and everything except God, it gives his wife the sense of security and honor that every wife hungers for.

6. A successful marriage doesn't require a big house, a prefect spouse, a million dollars or an expensive car. You can have all the above and still have a miserable marriage. A successful marriage requires honesty, undying commitment and selfless love and Jesus at the center of it all.

7. Pray for your spouse every day; in the morning, in the afternoon and at evening. Don’t wait until there is a problem. Don’t wait until there is an affair. Don’t wait until something bad happens. Don’t wait until your spouse is tempted. Shield your spouse with prayer and cover your marriage with the fence of prayer.

8. The people you surround yourself with have a lot of influence on your marriage. Friends can build or break your marriage; choose them wisely.

9. One spouse cannot build a marriage alone when the other spouse is committed to destroying it. Marriage works when both husband and wife work together as a team to build their marriage.

10. Don't take your spouse for granted. Don't take advantage of your spouse's meekness and goodness. Don't mistake your spouse's loyalty for desperation. Don't misuse or abuse yours spouse's trust. You may end up regretting after losing someone that meant so much to you.

11. Beware of marital advice from single people. Regardless of how sincere their advice may be, most of it is theoretical and not derived from real life experiences. If you really need Godly advice, seek it from God-fearing, impartial and prayerful mature couples whose resolve has been tested by time and shaped by trials.

12. Dear wife, Don't underestimate the power of the tongue on your marriage. The tongue has the power to crush your marriage or build it up. Don't let the Devil use your tongue to kill your spouse's image, self-confidence and aspirations. Let God use your tongue to build up your marriage and bless and praise your spouse.

MISS YOU

What do you miss the most?

I miss the silly conversations, just talking about absolutely nothing.

I miss the smiles that come unexpectedly in awkward places.

I miss the tempo of juggling hearts

I miss the excitement, my heart beating faster when I see you.

I miss being nosy always wanting to know your business

I miss the feeling, that superficial feeling of knowing that someone, somewhere out there is thinking of me.

I miss you.