Saturday, 31 December 2016
Thursday, 29 December 2016
What is this about love?
Jesus loves me, Jesus loves you, Jesus loves the world.
How do I know this?
Scripture says God is love and He loved us first. So much so did He love us that He gave His Son as a sacrifice to restore and grant us a relationship with Him. He extended love to us and called us His children.
We experience His love via His sacrifice; believing in Jesus, God's own Son. And we love Him back by following His precepts, as mentees to mentor.
How can God be love and how can He love us? How true is the claim that He loves the world? Does God still love?
A loveless person is a sightless person, as opposed to the cliche that love is blind. That thought is a prevarication of God's nature. He hasn't told any lies, especially not about Himself. He can't and He won't, He doesn't need to. We are all His and He says He loves us. If there really was no love from God to us, past and present, there would be no love from one to another, no noble intentions and no peace or unity. Love fosters tenderness and intimacy, without love only hostility and all forms of savagery will be. All love is a shadow/an image of the love that was first. We go out of our ways at times to help others because love works in us. And the best way to love is to put our lives on the line for our friends.
God put His love (Son) on the line for us by offering Jesus while we were of no use to Him. Whether we accept His love or not, nothing can stop His loving us. Indeed nothing can get between us and God's love. Though the great commandment states "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind," there is no coercion or fear in His love. Rather he tells us that walking in love brings no wrong. By loving our neighbours even as our selves, we prove that love is the greatest.
However, because we always want our way, we try to call the shots, even where God is concerned but need I remind you that nothing can be entirely controlled. God is sovereign and He owes no explanations. If His will were paramount to us then we could dare to ask Him questions - not question Him, as sons to father, even if He isn't obliged to answer. God's love holds no offence or arguments. Take it or leave it; don't explain it away.
*Passages of Scripture quoted directly and indirectly are from the Message translation and King James Version of the Bible.
#UnChurched
29/12/2016
(c) 'durotimi
How do I know this?
Scripture says God is love and He loved us first. So much so did He love us that He gave His Son as a sacrifice to restore and grant us a relationship with Him. He extended love to us and called us His children.
We experience His love via His sacrifice; believing in Jesus, God's own Son. And we love Him back by following His precepts, as mentees to mentor.
How can God be love and how can He love us? How true is the claim that He loves the world? Does God still love?
A loveless person is a sightless person, as opposed to the cliche that love is blind. That thought is a prevarication of God's nature. He hasn't told any lies, especially not about Himself. He can't and He won't, He doesn't need to. We are all His and He says He loves us. If there really was no love from God to us, past and present, there would be no love from one to another, no noble intentions and no peace or unity. Love fosters tenderness and intimacy, without love only hostility and all forms of savagery will be. All love is a shadow/an image of the love that was first. We go out of our ways at times to help others because love works in us. And the best way to love is to put our lives on the line for our friends.
God put His love (Son) on the line for us by offering Jesus while we were of no use to Him. Whether we accept His love or not, nothing can stop His loving us. Indeed nothing can get between us and God's love. Though the great commandment states "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind," there is no coercion or fear in His love. Rather he tells us that walking in love brings no wrong. By loving our neighbours even as our selves, we prove that love is the greatest.
However, because we always want our way, we try to call the shots, even where God is concerned but need I remind you that nothing can be entirely controlled. God is sovereign and He owes no explanations. If His will were paramount to us then we could dare to ask Him questions - not question Him, as sons to father, even if He isn't obliged to answer. God's love holds no offence or arguments. Take it or leave it; don't explain it away.
*Passages of Scripture quoted directly and indirectly are from the Message translation and King James Version of the Bible.
#UnChurched
29/12/2016
(c) 'durotimi
Tuesday, 20 December 2016
Parenting 2
It is not enough to sow the seeds of human life in quick, repeated sessions of reckless ecstasy. Beyond the delight of tears, beyond the passionate intensity of countless orgasms, the future of our children, of our own mortality and ancestry awaits our constant vigilance and careful nurturing. - Kofi Anyidoho
He is a good man, she is a good woman but being a good individual does not imply that he/she will be a good spouse and that definitely is not equivalent or proportional to being a good parent! I am shocked at young people who read up on relationship and or marriage with the goal of being an OK spouse. They just want to be married or dating but what comes after? To be honest, most people do not know or are not sure. And within months of their nuptial agreement, we see their lack of knowledge displayed – some of them can’t even be together! Those who seem “happy” together can’t wait to be parents - hold UP! What’s the rush?!
They have almost no time together and remain aspiring of the next big thing without enjoying the now, inevitably building up a momentum that is bound to spill over on their child(ren). Happiness alone cannot sustain harmony.
No one tells them that it’s good to read books to prepare but it is better to work hard at things. Almost no one shares valuable experience and on those who try the message is lost. We prepare to be wives and husbands but we don’t prepare to be fathers and mothers (parents) so in the years to come, our children wish we hadn’t married at all. They themselves begin to think that being with the right person is the way out of an unbalanced environment and in trying to avoid our mistakes and faults they tilt so far to the other end of the scale that they make their own just-as-ghastly mistakes. How many times in the world have children said the words; “I do not want to be like my parents!” either because of the parent’s character or marriage?
Some great husband and wife relationships have fallen apart because of the children and many childhoods have been ruined by unsuspecting parents. Still we grow up and get in line to repeat the same mistakes though we claim to be wiser. I know there are people who do their best to be great parents; I personally know a few of them. The irony of the issue is that sometimes their efforts do not show in the way they hoped. To what shall we attribute that?
People who are supposed to be better informed claim that you can never be prepared to be a good parent and I ask, “Why did you prepare at all for your future? Or why did you prepare to be good at your job? Perhaps you didn’t bother about it and left all to chance?" True, we all learn as we go but it won’t hurt to get some knowledge beforehand! Start by asking questions – what is my motivation for childbearing? Where am I going to raise my children? How am I going to cater to their needs? What am I going to teach my children? What will they be exposed to? Are we going to maintain our harmony in spite of the children and how? Can we just take a pause to rethink our orientation towards the exciting future of our children?
#SalientMatters
20/12/2016
(c) 'durotimi
Thursday, 15 December 2016
Dirty Funnel
Fresh, hot, so precious, flowing directly from the source. This oh so important matter that sets our wheels spinning. And so it pours from the only place that has it; unrestricted, with intent, in hope without prejudice and undiluted.
Man as desirous of good things as he is, is often unprepared to take full advantage of the gifts he’s given.
From the clergy to the pews, God is speaking. Pouring out His manna to better our lives if only we’ll just listen. Unfortunately many have consigned the gift and the privilege of hearing from God to the spiritual leaders. After all they are the shepherds Christ gave to tend His Church. And for this reason among many others the clergy has become a bridge between man and God. They occupy a virtual seat of honour due to the responsibilities or positions that are conferred on them. Like a funnel they aid in transmitting messages from the source to the receiver. The source being God and the receivers, His people. They receive messages and disseminate it as best as they can – distilled, diluted, decanted. But the funnels are people; as prone to sin and error as anyone else. These leaders who are just as busy as everyone else are saddled with so much to deal with even by their very own daily lives and are sometimes overwhelmed especially when there are many people to cater for. They have their own motives and prejudices and are not too far from a god-complex. Either in reception or delivery, things could go wrong. Perception, perspective, intent, desire; all could taint the message.
For instance if a preacher begins to enjoy his position of authority over the congregation, he could (unknowingly) take their eyes and hearts off the saviour; the true advocate, as he soaks in accolades or sees himself in coloured light. Pride sets in, his word is true or isn’t it? Anyone who can’t or won’t act in line or conform to his desires is seen as unyielding, rebellious or unbelieving. Manipulation starts from there. That’s just a scenario. It is not out of place to hear that a “man of God” has fallen into error. No one knows how long they operate in the wrong. Even those who hear from God can fall into error as a result of wrong interpretation of Scriptures (for whatever reason that might occur), temptation or pressure. In good cases, tempered funnels may sport personal blemishes which though does not affect the message delivery, may be a stumbling block to other lives. We’re all humans and hence capable of getting things wrong. Man will not always accurately deliver and interpret revelations because we remain prone to errors of different types and our personalities always reflect in delivery. Some leaders are genuine and honest in their walk and pursuit of an exemplary life but others are just deliberately full of dross, misleading others.
But then if we all were listening and could hear God speaking, wouldn’t we still be ill or imperfect in at least one form? We all at one point or the other in our lives are no different from dirty funnels. In words and deeds, in Church and out of Church, whether listening or not, someone else is getting influenced by us; dirty funnel or not.
#UnChurched
15/12/2016
(c) 'durotimi
Man as desirous of good things as he is, is often unprepared to take full advantage of the gifts he’s given.
From the clergy to the pews, God is speaking. Pouring out His manna to better our lives if only we’ll just listen. Unfortunately many have consigned the gift and the privilege of hearing from God to the spiritual leaders. After all they are the shepherds Christ gave to tend His Church. And for this reason among many others the clergy has become a bridge between man and God. They occupy a virtual seat of honour due to the responsibilities or positions that are conferred on them. Like a funnel they aid in transmitting messages from the source to the receiver. The source being God and the receivers, His people. They receive messages and disseminate it as best as they can – distilled, diluted, decanted. But the funnels are people; as prone to sin and error as anyone else. These leaders who are just as busy as everyone else are saddled with so much to deal with even by their very own daily lives and are sometimes overwhelmed especially when there are many people to cater for. They have their own motives and prejudices and are not too far from a god-complex. Either in reception or delivery, things could go wrong. Perception, perspective, intent, desire; all could taint the message.
For instance if a preacher begins to enjoy his position of authority over the congregation, he could (unknowingly) take their eyes and hearts off the saviour; the true advocate, as he soaks in accolades or sees himself in coloured light. Pride sets in, his word is true or isn’t it? Anyone who can’t or won’t act in line or conform to his desires is seen as unyielding, rebellious or unbelieving. Manipulation starts from there. That’s just a scenario. It is not out of place to hear that a “man of God” has fallen into error. No one knows how long they operate in the wrong. Even those who hear from God can fall into error as a result of wrong interpretation of Scriptures (for whatever reason that might occur), temptation or pressure. In good cases, tempered funnels may sport personal blemishes which though does not affect the message delivery, may be a stumbling block to other lives. We’re all humans and hence capable of getting things wrong. Man will not always accurately deliver and interpret revelations because we remain prone to errors of different types and our personalities always reflect in delivery. Some leaders are genuine and honest in their walk and pursuit of an exemplary life but others are just deliberately full of dross, misleading others.
But then if we all were listening and could hear God speaking, wouldn’t we still be ill or imperfect in at least one form? We all at one point or the other in our lives are no different from dirty funnels. In words and deeds, in Church and out of Church, whether listening or not, someone else is getting influenced by us; dirty funnel or not.
#UnChurched
15/12/2016
(c) 'durotimi
Thursday, 8 December 2016
Homecoming
Dedicated to Engineer Sunday Adewumi
(of blessed memory) 08/12/2016
Today we commended the body of a friend and loved one to the earth in burial. He was a spark, full of life; a vibrant flame 'till he was extinguished. Life is fleeting but his was not a fickle one. His years were worth every single number of them.
Oh life be good to me! Oh death you're a tyrant!
As much as *The Hope* remains, we sigh. Yet our tears pour out of our hearts in loving memory. Assured that you truly are now home, our thoughts are all the more sob wrenching. It was good for you to stay but it is better by far that you are where you belong.
Live on dear one, icon of love and light. We were blessed to have you.
*1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 14
(c) 'durotimi
(of blessed memory) 08/12/2016
Today we commended the body of a friend and loved one to the earth in burial. He was a spark, full of life; a vibrant flame 'till he was extinguished. Life is fleeting but his was not a fickle one. His years were worth every single number of them.
Oh life be good to me! Oh death you're a tyrant!
As much as *The Hope* remains, we sigh. Yet our tears pour out of our hearts in loving memory. Assured that you truly are now home, our thoughts are all the more sob wrenching. It was good for you to stay but it is better by far that you are where you belong.
Live on dear one, icon of love and light. We were blessed to have you.
*1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 14
(c) 'durotimi
Tuesday, 6 December 2016
The Other Woman
Many have sought her hand but in vain they sought. Her affections belong to another. “I cannot be married to one and pine for another” she claims. Marriage or being married seems to her to be the same as being in a strait jacket.
With their eyes they taunt, with their words they mock. “When are we going to eat your rice?” they ask her. “Your age is increasing, your flower will soon fade o.” She in turn answers in derision, “Is it by force to be married? I like my life, leave me let me enjoy. Y’all should mind your unhappy businesses.” And they laugh at her in scorn, exchange knowing looks and sneer. They make a case out of her lifestyle, talking all sorts of things but she really doesn’t bother to correct their thinking even though they paint her a sinner. Not that their idle chatter about her leaves her unfazed; she has resolved that she’d rather live by taking that which is not hers to keep than struggle with standards of morality that are too strenuous to bear.
For money; she needs him, has to be with him, for her sustenance and kin. And the moneybag deserves to be used; he doesn’t suffer as much as her. She’s out for him or rather, his money.
For love; her world revolves around him, she lives in torture waiting for him, pining for him and desiring him. And when he comes to her, no matter how brief his stay, her life is bliss. She wants the unattainable for she can never truly have him; what with his wife and children and his whole world at stake. He thinks of her as a friend of sorts, an asset to his life. It’s true he wants her but he wants that too. Her heart beats for him and she can’t cast him away so she stays content with being kept as the second wheel; the convenient pleasure giver. She is consoled by the thought that if his home becomes too much of a dissatisfaction he will turn to her for his desired haven. And though those people would label her adulteress, home wrecker, solicitress and whatever else, she would be happy because she has her man.
“Even if he will not stand by me or grow old with me, I’d choose him over and over as the object of my affection. I am never letting go of him.”
For pleasure; call it covetousness or a function of her chemistry. Or just because, she knows no other way of living. It’s one of those things. And when she wants him, she takes him. It doesn’t matter if he’s hers to have or not.
No one should ignore the power of another woman in a man’s life. While she might be oblivious to the influence she wields, let no thought be spared to her duplicity. There is no such thing as a harmless gesture in matters of the heart. Little trickles of water will wear a great boulder out.
#SalientMatters
06/12/2016
(c) ‘durotimi
With their eyes they taunt, with their words they mock. “When are we going to eat your rice?” they ask her. “Your age is increasing, your flower will soon fade o.” She in turn answers in derision, “Is it by force to be married? I like my life, leave me let me enjoy. Y’all should mind your unhappy businesses.” And they laugh at her in scorn, exchange knowing looks and sneer. They make a case out of her lifestyle, talking all sorts of things but she really doesn’t bother to correct their thinking even though they paint her a sinner. Not that their idle chatter about her leaves her unfazed; she has resolved that she’d rather live by taking that which is not hers to keep than struggle with standards of morality that are too strenuous to bear.
Take what you want, says the gods, take it and pay for it.
So she considers their mockery as payment for her reality. Besides isn’t her life more satisfying than all theirs? She wants another woman’s husband, one who is termed an adulterer for wanting her. For money, for love, for pleasure. “I just wanna be happy” she says, and she has the right to pursue happiness. For money; she needs him, has to be with him, for her sustenance and kin. And the moneybag deserves to be used; he doesn’t suffer as much as her. She’s out for him or rather, his money.
For love; her world revolves around him, she lives in torture waiting for him, pining for him and desiring him. And when he comes to her, no matter how brief his stay, her life is bliss. She wants the unattainable for she can never truly have him; what with his wife and children and his whole world at stake. He thinks of her as a friend of sorts, an asset to his life. It’s true he wants her but he wants that too. Her heart beats for him and she can’t cast him away so she stays content with being kept as the second wheel; the convenient pleasure giver. She is consoled by the thought that if his home becomes too much of a dissatisfaction he will turn to her for his desired haven. And though those people would label her adulteress, home wrecker, solicitress and whatever else, she would be happy because she has her man.
“Even if he will not stand by me or grow old with me, I’d choose him over and over as the object of my affection. I am never letting go of him.”
For pleasure; call it covetousness or a function of her chemistry. Or just because, she knows no other way of living. It’s one of those things. And when she wants him, she takes him. It doesn’t matter if he’s hers to have or not.
No one should ignore the power of another woman in a man’s life. While she might be oblivious to the influence she wields, let no thought be spared to her duplicity. There is no such thing as a harmless gesture in matters of the heart. Little trickles of water will wear a great boulder out.
#SalientMatters
06/12/2016
(c) ‘durotimi
Thursday, 1 December 2016
Heaven
I wanna go to heaven, I haven't met anyone who doesn't want to. But of all the people I've met, only a minor percentage of them are willing to make life count here on earth (by doing things that matter or can outlive them) and there in heaven (by choosing to be there and working with their decision).
We sing these are the days, behold He cometh. Are we ready to die or are we truly ready for the rapture? We hope to hear good and faithful servant from Him to us yet half of our daily lives are not exactly savoury to him. We don't think/feed on the things that make us more like Him. We don't belong here but we aspire to things that do not transcend the here and now. We aren't bothered about perpetuating the Kingdom. Are we gonna save only our skins? Unlike the ambassadors we are supposed to be, we aren't representing. Yet we wanna go home. Are we really ready for Him to come?
Present or absent, is my life, your life, our living a testament to the glory of God? If our lives and living are not dedicated to bringing him glory in all things, at all times what do we wanna go home for? To live is Christ, to die is gain. Is that true for you, me, us? Do we live like we do not have a hope or a future or do we press toward the mark; knowing that He awaits. It's not long now.
Maybe you don't believe in 'heaven'. I tell you that there is a place, such a place that earth can't compare. This isn't all there is. Heaven is an even bigger reality than earth itself.
Be heavenly minded, do earthly good.
Philippians 3, 4
#UnChurched
01/12/2016
(c) 'durotimi
We sing these are the days, behold He cometh. Are we ready to die or are we truly ready for the rapture? We hope to hear good and faithful servant from Him to us yet half of our daily lives are not exactly savoury to him. We don't think/feed on the things that make us more like Him. We don't belong here but we aspire to things that do not transcend the here and now. We aren't bothered about perpetuating the Kingdom. Are we gonna save only our skins? Unlike the ambassadors we are supposed to be, we aren't representing. Yet we wanna go home. Are we really ready for Him to come?
Present or absent, is my life, your life, our living a testament to the glory of God? If our lives and living are not dedicated to bringing him glory in all things, at all times what do we wanna go home for? To live is Christ, to die is gain. Is that true for you, me, us? Do we live like we do not have a hope or a future or do we press toward the mark; knowing that He awaits. It's not long now.
Maybe you don't believe in 'heaven'. I tell you that there is a place, such a place that earth can't compare. This isn't all there is. Heaven is an even bigger reality than earth itself.
Be heavenly minded, do earthly good.
Philippians 3, 4
#UnChurched
01/12/2016
(c) 'durotimi
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