When God Shut That Door!

  
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" Romans 8:28 NIV.

Blessed day friends! I believe your experience thus far in the week has been delightsome. It is the last hours of the month of July and I am thankful to the one who has brought me this far.
Still in the mood of thanksgiving, my mind reminisced on past years, I checked my journals and my discovery surprised me: the list of prayer requests, aspirations and desires. I was overwhelmed with how God answered and denied each one of them. One interesting thing about those things denied or blocked by God is that I actually didn't need those things, they have had no negative impact on where I am today.
But trust me, I didn't feel that way then. Those things got me thinking I couldn't survive without them but I eventually did. God had practically brought me through that season and I have come to realise how all things work out for my good.
That's my story! Let's talk about yours. Are you seeing God's hand in your distressing experiences? You probably aren't aware of how God scared away that abusive lover of yours. You may not know God denying you that offer was His way of  shielding  you from being wrongly influenced.
Yes, you felt disappointed by God. You were so sure about that job until it was given to someone less qualified than you; you still failed that course after sleepless nights and positive confessions; you were so convinced you'll make a lovely couple until he proposed to your best friend; you watched people less committed than you being favoured while you had to be turned down every now and then; you were so confident about stepping out in faith until you landed in trouble... the list is endless but each attempt to figure out the reasons for this experiences can be fruitless. All we need to hold on to is that God's love is unfailing.
We may not know why some things happen or why they don't but we can always be assured of His consistent love. When this phase has ended, you will definitely realise that it was by His mercy and grace that some doors were shut.

 Help, I'm Lonely!

"Lonely, I'm Mr Lonely, I have nobody for my own..."

Sounds familiar I guess. You know the rest of the lyrics right? The tune we all hum in the secrecy of our hearts while wishing we had someone to lean on, someone who cares, someone we can really call our own.
The cry for companionship can be intense. Single folks, widows and divorced can tell the tale. It is definitely true that everybody has needs, everyone needs a companion. However, married people are not left out, the feeling often transcends what absence of people can initiate, it gets worse when the heart longs for more intimacy, love and attention while in the midst of people. It now means that loneliness doesn't thrive in the absence of others but  in the innermost need of the person. Whether married or single, we can still have memorable experience in this season. Here are the ways to respond to this need whenever it comes knocking.

Know That It Is Normal: Just like it's normal to be thirsty, hungry or sleepy, loneliness is normal. It doesn't mean you're not contented or you're relaxing in your trust in God, rather it signals the need in your life, reminds you of what is needed but is missing. There is really nothing wrong with that you know.

Don't Blame Others: Oh, stop it! Please don't pass the blame on others. Many time, we easily shift the bulk of the blame on our insensitive partners, clueless friends even parents or siblings. We've concluded that it's the duty of these ones to make us feel whole and complete. However, only God can do that.  As such, we shouldn't blame others for not doing what only God can do.

Eat: Whatever you do when you feel hungry or thirsty, exactly what you have to do in this case. Since loneliness signals the need that couldn't possibly be met by our strength, then we have to seek the one who can satisfy our quests- God. Explain your needs to Him without reservations, He can be trusted to reply you without condemnation. And of course, He knows how to fix all hunger.

Reach Out To People: Loneliness can make one get extremely self absorbed, but snap out of it. It isn't good for you. Remember the golden rule" Do unto others what you want them to do unto you " A senior friend taught me to show love to people around me during this time. Trust me when I say the burden gets lifted as I do this. There is always someone nearby who needs your love. You never can tell how God can use them to bless you.

Gratitude: This obviously works for all season. Never bow your head in shame, always be grateful to God for life. Remember that only the living gets hungry.

See Lessons From Mary Slessor

 

Though Mary Slessor was buried a century ago, the indelible mark she made during her life time is evergreen. She wasn't just the first female missionary in the heart of Africa but the very first whose impact is still relevant decades after her demise.  Her story is such that inspires one to totally release oneself to the plans and purpose of God for one's life. Let's explore her life together and let see one or two things to emulate.

Her Background: Hers wasn't a wealthy home, so she lived a simple life always living from hand to mouth. She rose to the challenge by fetching additional income for the family. Her teenage years was spent between school and work in order to augment the meagre salary of her mother. She often had to take care of her siblings. This responsibility she sheltered all through her life in Africa taking care of weak and abandoned children. How God prepares us! What are your experiences in previous years? What have you learn from them? The over protective parents, abusive uncle, noisy cousin and annoying siblings may be God's instruments in moulding you. The little discomfort you experienced in your childhood may be a training. There is actually a message in your mess.

Her Faith: Greatly influenced by her mother's faith, she turned to God early in life. Believing in God's saving grace, she joined the saints bringing the light to Africa. She came at a time when Malaria was as deadly as Ebola. She was unwavering in her commitment to the gospel despite her challenges. She obviously believed that God and one is a majority. What is your belief now? Do you see light at the end of the tunnel? Can you also set out in faith? You have a big God.

Her Heart: Her gracious heart must have bled at the height of cruelty and savagery of African then. She however stood her ground fighting for women right, abolishion of slavery and abandonment of twin babies. Just like the, the society is still in need of people to protest against illiteracy, poverty, child abuse and of course rape. Will you be the voice of change? What will you do or say to make this world a better place.

Her Womb: She neither married nor have any biological children, yet, she adopted the unloved and jettisoned children. Her home was a place of solace, comfort and shelter to these young lives. She was a mother in all ramifications. She birthed grace into this ones.

Some of her favorite quotes are listed here:

If you are ever inclined to pray for a missionary, do it at once, wherever you are.

It were worthwhile to die, if thereby a soul could be born again.

If you play with temptation do not expect God will deliver you

The secret of all failure is disobedience.

Love is the root of missions; sacrifice is the fruit of missions.

Sin is loss for time and eternity.

Now, this is the conclusion of the whole matter,Fear God and keep His commandment for this is the whole duty of man. Ecc 12:13

5 Beauty Tips

         

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the lord, she is to be praised" Proverb 31:30 NIV

Welcome to this beauty salon! Are you ready? Let's get started on our little make over session. Since every physical activities has its spiritual equivalence, I have brought along all the equipment needed for this beauty therapy. Below are the dos to help you accentuate that gorgeous look.

 Purpose: Have you ever wonder why ministers look so charming? This is because discovering and staying in the areas of your calling makes such a huge difference. Our big sister in Proverb 31 is such an amazing house wife. What beauty is in that? You will ask. 'Ordinary' home making could make such a huge difference, if it's done with passion, joy and enthusiasm. Embracing one's ministry or career path regardless of how inferior it may look beautifies a great deal.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the lord, not for men" Colossian 3:23.

Service: The things you do for the comfort and joy of others. The smile, hug, encouragement, time, money and commitment you give not only ease others of their burdens but also rub some grace on you. This also includes your various contribution to the kingdom projects. Apply it and you'll see how radiant you are.

“Thanks be to God who always lead us in triumphal procession in Christ Jesus and through us spread everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him" 11Cor. 2:14. NIV

Good Words: Remember how Abigael, a prospective widow talk her way into the heart of the king. Unwholesome words repels while words fitly spoken attracts. Here is where what you feed on will reflect, since you cannot give what you lack. If God's word is your food, then you're sure to vomit good things. Make your utterances pleasant and the outcome will surprise you.

"She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue" Proverb 31:26

Worship: Worship is awesome! Nothing makes more attractive than pouring out all of our heart and love on Him. Worshippers actually glow because of the light of His presence. Try staying in His presence for some time today, your friends will wonder if you have replace your cream.

" And we who with unveiled faces all reflects the lord's glory, are being transform into the same likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the lord, who is the spirit" 2 Corinthians 3:18.

Prayer: It unburdens heavy hearts, restore weary souls and comfort the heartbroken. Oh! How free and confident we get when we release it all to God. Transfer each concerns, anxiety and fear to God in prayer. Be sure to have a dashing look.

Warning: Admirers are liable to increase after this session! And of course, they could be life partners…

You Are Beautiful!

You Are Beautiful!

The first time I heard that from an opposite sex, I was just ten, I blushed and ran away. Don't mind me, I was just a girl. After then, I've lost count of how many times I've heard it ...most times it doesn't matter but sometimes, I still blush. It's actually true, we don't outgrow some things.

Being beautiful is a good thing and as a woman, I know the amount of money, time and effort we lavish on this course. However, beauty doesn't end in the shape of one's face, the jewelry, the color of ones skin or the maker of one's cosmetics, it can spice it up though but not the main thing. Let's now look at the real meaning of beauty and how we can help ourselves improve on it.

Man is a tripartite being: is a spirit, has a soul and lives in the body. Definitely, its not correct to  solely define man based on his physical look. Also, every believer is equally endowed to be beautiful. So don't worry about your flaws, your shape is just perfect.

We understand that whosoever is joined with God is one spirit with Him. Hence, God is the defining factor here, being beautiful start from the spirit. Therefore, which and whose seed is in you is the concern and not the designer of your clothing. If it's God, then you're beautiful.

'' out of Zion. Perfection of beauty, the lord has shined forth Psalm 50:2"

Does that mean unbelievers aren't beautiful? I believe they are missing out from the true beauty which is God Himself. If that is the case, then we have realised how our priority has been misplaced in the pursuit of beauty.

Pursuit of intimacy with God will be the best form of beauty therapy. Daily loading ourselves with the word of the lord is the best make up ever.  What if our feets are more steady and consistent in His presence than the salon? What if we lace our feet with the word of God the same way we carefully choose our apparels? What if we spend so much in purchasing materials that enhances spiritual growth the same way we spend on our designer's collection? Then, we will look so beautiful. Studying the Scriptures and other forms of spiritual exercises will help to build this inner beauty, we need to give utmost attention to our spirit man. Spiritual beauty is manifested through the fruits of the spirit.  

To look good physically we have a lot of beauty materials, tomorrow we will be looking at the practical ways to beautify ourselves.

So good for a day, have a blessed night rest.