I always had issues with formalised structured prayers. I can do grandiose ones when called upon but i cant talk to God that way in private. Cos thats what prayer means right. Talking to God. It just doesnt flow naturally. I never ever think "Okay God. I wanna talk to you now. So here's my speech" . It just kinda happens. I just communicate with him randomly during the day.
But like most things in life you need structure. The problem with just communicating with him randomly is that you only focus on what you feel like at the moment. You lose sight of the big picture. Like praying for the nation, the world, your church, your place of work. This issue has become more prominent during this fasting period. In trying to step up a gear, am trying to be more structured in my prayer routine. Taking a more holistic (pardon the pun) view is instrumental because it puts your own issues in perspective and stops one being self-centered. I reckon i will have to draft my prayer points and got through them one by one to force myself to be more disciplined in prayer.
One recurring thing am learning from this xtain life is the importance of discipline. Theres no other way round it. You have to be discplined in all aspects of life. Its a lesson am learning and hopefully improving upon.
Anyhow. Enough randomness for today..
That all Folks.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Fasting for Beginners
Yes ive never fasted before. Get over it :). House on the Rock do an annual fast called PUSH (Pray Until Something Happens). I decided to do it this year. However, ive had to customise it to the pecularities of my situation. First we are supposed to break with soup. Giving the hours i work and my commute everyday, am not sure i can live on a bowl of soup a day. Definitely not for a consecutive set of days. So i break the fast with a much needed meal. :)
But a more important issue is how to fast effectively when you are working. How do you keep your thoughts on God any differently than you normally do? Apart from not eating what other things should you do? And not do? How do i make this fast different from when am not fasting?
Shouldnt our relationship with God always be on a consistently high level and not a spike in the graph during lent. A colleague of mine stated that the spike should be permamnent i.e. it should take you to a higher level. Hmmmmmmmm.....This is one of the issues i need to do more research on. But ive started. Will let you know my progress....
Enjoy
But a more important issue is how to fast effectively when you are working. How do you keep your thoughts on God any differently than you normally do? Apart from not eating what other things should you do? And not do? How do i make this fast different from when am not fasting?
Shouldnt our relationship with God always be on a consistently high level and not a spike in the graph during lent. A colleague of mine stated that the spike should be permamnent i.e. it should take you to a higher level. Hmmmmmmmm.....This is one of the issues i need to do more research on. But ive started. Will let you know my progress....
Enjoy
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Hocus Pocus
Ive been reading a book recently which stated that there are 3 sources of temptation:
1) The World
2) The Flesh
3) The Devil.
Now the first one i can understand cos of the world we live in. But as for the last two, am not so sure. How do you tell the difference? Someone once said that the Devil greatest ever trick was to make the world think he does not exist. There is some element of truth in it. I know about talk of "principalities" etc and how there is a spiritual war going on all around us but i still find it difficult to think that there is a devil/demons out that are hell bent on making me fall. Am not sure if its because its too scary a thought to contemplate or cos it might come across as an excuse whenever i fall. But its just weird.
Yes i know we live in Nigeria and with all the "juju" that apparently goes on surely you should know that there are demonic forces at work. Thats a good point. To be honest, i think its just a scary thought thats all. And that i would rather not think of it, which is probably what the devil wants anyway. If anything the devil uses the world and the weakness of your flesh to try and reach us.
But you know what the devil actually does not have power to make you do anything. We chooose to. As a child of God, we can rest in the knowledge that no such thing can happen to us and that we have the power to overcome.
I have to confess, i dont like talking about this subject because it sounds so weird, like some horror story. Also because its to difficult to understand. I suppose the moral of the story is whatever the source of the temptation we know for certain its not from God but we can utilise His power to overcome it.
Phew that sounds better... I think i will leave this topic for a bit.
Easy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1) The World
2) The Flesh
3) The Devil.
Now the first one i can understand cos of the world we live in. But as for the last two, am not so sure. How do you tell the difference? Someone once said that the Devil greatest ever trick was to make the world think he does not exist. There is some element of truth in it. I know about talk of "principalities" etc and how there is a spiritual war going on all around us but i still find it difficult to think that there is a devil/demons out that are hell bent on making me fall. Am not sure if its because its too scary a thought to contemplate or cos it might come across as an excuse whenever i fall. But its just weird.
Yes i know we live in Nigeria and with all the "juju" that apparently goes on surely you should know that there are demonic forces at work. Thats a good point. To be honest, i think its just a scary thought thats all. And that i would rather not think of it, which is probably what the devil wants anyway. If anything the devil uses the world and the weakness of your flesh to try and reach us.
But you know what the devil actually does not have power to make you do anything. We chooose to. As a child of God, we can rest in the knowledge that no such thing can happen to us and that we have the power to overcome.
I have to confess, i dont like talking about this subject because it sounds so weird, like some horror story. Also because its to difficult to understand. I suppose the moral of the story is whatever the source of the temptation we know for certain its not from God but we can utilise His power to overcome it.
Phew that sounds better... I think i will leave this topic for a bit.
Easy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, February 19, 2007
Firmly on the Ground
Ive noticed anytime i start feeling holy and start getting ahead of myself that am now mature or getting stronger in this xtain walk, I always inevitably fall. Its a very sober feeling. It emphasises the need for humility. Am a sinner and no matter the progress i make i should never forget that if not for grace, i am nowhere. I am nothing.
Ive been wondering. If i didnt have faults would i still seek God? That if i didnt have a void in my soul will i still seek his control over my life. The fact that i fall lets me know how much i need him. It puts my feet firmly on the ground. It removes all the pride i might feel. It allows be to stop being judgemental about other people. It helps me to better understand humanity and human beings. To see why people behave the way they do.
But the best thing it dos is gives you peace. To know that your soul is in good hands gives you peace. The fact that there is someone who loves you so much and is willing you on the race of life is refreshing.
Walking with God is an amazing experience. I hope i can keep on this track no matter what trials and tribulations come my way......
Its Monday. Hope you enjoy the rest of the week......
Ive been wondering. If i didnt have faults would i still seek God? That if i didnt have a void in my soul will i still seek his control over my life. The fact that i fall lets me know how much i need him. It puts my feet firmly on the ground. It removes all the pride i might feel. It allows be to stop being judgemental about other people. It helps me to better understand humanity and human beings. To see why people behave the way they do.
But the best thing it dos is gives you peace. To know that your soul is in good hands gives you peace. The fact that there is someone who loves you so much and is willing you on the race of life is refreshing.
Walking with God is an amazing experience. I hope i can keep on this track no matter what trials and tribulations come my way......
Its Monday. Hope you enjoy the rest of the week......
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Looking forward to a beating
Dont worry i have not turned into some sort of masochist overnight. I just want to talk about divine punishment. When we fall as we do in this xtian walk we are normally hit by 2 different emotions. Guilt and Fear. Guilt over what we have done, Fear of God's punishment. I know that God is merciful and he doesnt punish us as we deserve. But He still punishes us when He thinks we need "sorting-out". Now this seems counter-intuitive or maybe perverse, but rather than being scared of God's punishment, shouldnt we look forward to it?
God just doesnt punish us just cos he feels like, but to put us back on track on our mission to seek him and have a deep relationship with him. But how do we know when we are being punished or being tested? Well, in my humble opinion, it doesnt matter. They both serve the same purpose. Keep us on track with our relationship with God. One intends to bring us back to our relationship with him, the other to take us to another level of fellowship with him.
But hold on. Am not saying we shouldnt fear God or revere Him. Am just saying we shouldnt picture him as a wicked secondary teacher who just loves caning people at the slightest inkling and that we should run away from him or come to him with a fearful heart.
Every once in a while, i look over this blog and read through my previous posts. I remember how i felt when i poured out my heart and then i realise that i am changing. My mind is being renewed. I feel unburdened. I still have a long way to go but i think i have started the race. I remember my final year in University when i got the "shock therapy" i needed to start making moves to sort my life out. I used to think if i started this journey a lot earlier than i would be a in "better place" in my life (both spiritually and professionally). But God's time is best. Am at peace now. And you know what. You cant ask for more than that.
Later People..........
God just doesnt punish us just cos he feels like, but to put us back on track on our mission to seek him and have a deep relationship with him. But how do we know when we are being punished or being tested? Well, in my humble opinion, it doesnt matter. They both serve the same purpose. Keep us on track with our relationship with God. One intends to bring us back to our relationship with him, the other to take us to another level of fellowship with him.
But hold on. Am not saying we shouldnt fear God or revere Him. Am just saying we shouldnt picture him as a wicked secondary teacher who just loves caning people at the slightest inkling and that we should run away from him or come to him with a fearful heart.
Every once in a while, i look over this blog and read through my previous posts. I remember how i felt when i poured out my heart and then i realise that i am changing. My mind is being renewed. I feel unburdened. I still have a long way to go but i think i have started the race. I remember my final year in University when i got the "shock therapy" i needed to start making moves to sort my life out. I used to think if i started this journey a lot earlier than i would be a in "better place" in my life (both spiritually and professionally). But God's time is best. Am at peace now. And you know what. You cant ask for more than that.
Later People..........
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
A Different Type of Promised Land.
The Israelites longed for a land flowing with milk and honey. To most of us the Promised Land might be a physical location or possessions or status. I want to focus on the Promised Land as a state of being. A place of righteousness. A place of “Christ-likeness”. A place of oneness with God. It took the Israelites 40 years to get to the Promised Land but we all know that the actual journey should have taken weeks.
So why did the Israelites travel for years trying to get to the Promised Land? What can I learn from their experience? What kept them back from reaching the Promised Land earlier? Well they complained, worshipped other gods, basically they didn’t have faith in God that they would get there.
One of the things that a pastor said recently was the difference between working hard and working smart. The forty years was just not necessary. But how do I apply this principle to my life? Well, it shows that the road to spiritual maturity will be as long as I make it. It doesn’t have to be a multi-year fight or does it? Was the Israelites’ wandering for 40 years necessary for them to appreciate the Promised Land when they got there? Is a long protracted struggle on my quest necessary for me to appreciate being spiritually mature?
Hold on Faith. That’s it. If they had faith that God was gonna get them to the Promised Land, they wouldn’t have done all the things they did. So if I have faith, I can overcome whatever bumps I meet on my path and get there quicker. Or is it get there on time? Hmmmmm……
But can it be that easy. Just have faith. That’s all you need. Well faith backed up by actions. Now I think I understand why faith is so important. If we see our lives as a journey to the Promised Land, and see obstacles we face as bumps on the way to that Promised Land and have faith that we can overcome those bumps and back up that faith with actions, we will get to the Promised Land. Phew!!! That’s a mouthful……
Interesting. But can it be possible that these bumps in the road are not what we think they are? If our purpose in life is to seek God. Then the Promised Land is Finding God. If the journey is seeking him and if we view all the challenges we face in life as attempts to stop us seeking God then we can put them in perspective. Can that be it? Really it? Can it be so straightforward?
“Seek first the Kingdom of God and other things will be added unto you”
I don’t know how to end this post. I believe I need to think about this a bit more.
So why did the Israelites travel for years trying to get to the Promised Land? What can I learn from their experience? What kept them back from reaching the Promised Land earlier? Well they complained, worshipped other gods, basically they didn’t have faith in God that they would get there.
One of the things that a pastor said recently was the difference between working hard and working smart. The forty years was just not necessary. But how do I apply this principle to my life? Well, it shows that the road to spiritual maturity will be as long as I make it. It doesn’t have to be a multi-year fight or does it? Was the Israelites’ wandering for 40 years necessary for them to appreciate the Promised Land when they got there? Is a long protracted struggle on my quest necessary for me to appreciate being spiritually mature?
Hold on Faith. That’s it. If they had faith that God was gonna get them to the Promised Land, they wouldn’t have done all the things they did. So if I have faith, I can overcome whatever bumps I meet on my path and get there quicker. Or is it get there on time? Hmmmmm……
But can it be that easy. Just have faith. That’s all you need. Well faith backed up by actions. Now I think I understand why faith is so important. If we see our lives as a journey to the Promised Land, and see obstacles we face as bumps on the way to that Promised Land and have faith that we can overcome those bumps and back up that faith with actions, we will get to the Promised Land. Phew!!! That’s a mouthful……
Interesting. But can it be possible that these bumps in the road are not what we think they are? If our purpose in life is to seek God. Then the Promised Land is Finding God. If the journey is seeking him and if we view all the challenges we face in life as attempts to stop us seeking God then we can put them in perspective. Can that be it? Really it? Can it be so straightforward?
“Seek first the Kingdom of God and other things will be added unto you”
I don’t know how to end this post. I believe I need to think about this a bit more.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Losing Battles. Winning the War
My last post ended on a bit of a pessimistic note. I think it just encapsulated my mood at the time. On sober reflection I found out that am not in battle with my human nature but at war with it. Whats the difference? A war is a sum of battles. We might lose a few battles, maybe even many, but that does not mean we have lost the war. We only lose the war when we give up. We win the war when we finally leave this earth with our relationship with God in tact.
But you cant win the war by losing every battle. But that raises questions. Is there such a thing as an optimum number of battles you can lose? I dunno. I beleive this is different for everyone. It seems everytime i get stumped on a question or an issue an answer keeps on coming up. Keep close to God. Dont mess about with your relationship with him. "The battles is mine says the Lord". I need to beleive the end already. That the result of the fight has been settled. I have already won. Just have to put the result i can see on paper into practice in real-life. Easier said than done right?
Anyhow peeps. Easy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But you cant win the war by losing every battle. But that raises questions. Is there such a thing as an optimum number of battles you can lose? I dunno. I beleive this is different for everyone. It seems everytime i get stumped on a question or an issue an answer keeps on coming up. Keep close to God. Dont mess about with your relationship with him. "The battles is mine says the Lord". I need to beleive the end already. That the result of the fight has been settled. I have already won. Just have to put the result i can see on paper into practice in real-life. Easier said than done right?
Anyhow peeps. Easy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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