The mouse story which I first heard ,sometime, in my pre-teen years, came to mind last week .Maybe you have heard it before , but the lesson the story teaches is ever-fresh.
Three mice fell into a jug of milk. They tried to get out but couldn't.
After a spirited battle , two of them became exhausted, gave up and drowned in the milk.The third mouse kept on treading the milk with its tiny legs and arms in a desperate effort to stay afloat. After a while, the milk under the mouse churned into cream , then into cheese. By its unrelenting treading efforts,"Mousey" became a cheese maker!
Thereafter, the poor little, thieving fellow was able to climb on the solid cheese , climb out of the jug and to scamper to its well-deserved freedom! Cheery story!
However, it is not cheery news to hear that, as at date, 2.47 million Britons are unemployed; most of whom are 25 years and younger!
It is scary that fresh graduates are now starring unemployment in the face .
More so, because just a couple of years ago,there was a sharp increase in the number of youths in the U.K., eager to further their education by going to "Uni".
Then, university graduates, going into first time employment were spoilt for choice of good offers.
As a parent, a social worker and a mentor to youths, I have been a strong advocate for diligence by youths, as a key or a solid foundation to a brighter future.
Diligence in getting degrees or acquiring other skills and qualifications to make one a professional in one's chosen field.
Considering what I know about the life-style choices of majority of boys and girls in the U.K., I knew that the increase in youths willing and determined to do something good with their lives was a miraculous answer to prayer!
Ambitous youths do not deserve unemployment at the end of a long period of hard work.
Thankfully, official measures are in place to alleviate the strains of unemployment in the society.
A degree is an essential asset when entering the top rung of the labour market.
It is indispensable in order to excel in most high-flying careers . As such, some top professions insist on a first degree as an entry qualification for their members.
Also, it is on record that a university graduate would earn at least £250,000 more than a non-graduate in their life-times.
Apart from the monetary advantage , a university degree does not confer the certificate only. The degree course prepares one for a higher social standing in life due to social interactions and connections between undergraduates on campuses. Some of these undergraduates are the future leaders of nations. I know from personal experience that these undergraduate-years connections are an enduring asset. Proverbs 22: 29.
My point here is that prospective graduates should not be discouraged from pursuing their dreams by unemployment, even in this harsh economic climate.
There are cheery signs , already, that the crunch time in the country is easing up . The economy is reviving; things are getting better.
What to do if unemployed after graduation? Faith and prevailing prayers are essential.
However, Faith without works is dead.
If you "exercise faith by claiming and declaring" all the prosperity promises in the Bible, "confessing positive , thinking positive", or whatever, from now till Kingdom come ; without acting out your faith; you would be wasting your time. Proverbs 13:4, 2 Thessalonians 3:10
Life goals are achieved not only by blowing "hot air" and "blowing mouth"!
To survive , weigh your options, tread milk , like our friend , the little fighter-mouse and prayerfully attain your miracle by positive ACTION!
If option A is yet to come, embark on a course of action towards your goal.
Not much can be achieved by flopping,all day, on the sofa at home, eating crisps and flicking TV channels or chatting and texting on your "mobo" or banging on Twitter or Facebook , for hours.
If you are short of options , have you considered working abroad, maybe for a short spell,until you get your dream job in the U.K.?
Last week, I was on holiday in the Benalmadena Resort in the Costa del Sol, Spain.
As usual, it was buzzing with not only holiday makers from all over the world but also with workers in the Leisure industry like tour guides , drivers, reception staff, chefs, waiters , waitresses etc. Some of these staff were foreigners but, one thing all these staff had in common was their ability to speak English in varying levels of fluency!
Although we were in Spain, there was this atmosphere of feeling at home because the excellent service was offered mainly in smattering but passable English.
At dinner , on one of the nights, we were joking with the waiter who was obviously Spanish but was making a jovial effort to communicate with us and practise his knowledge of English on us. I suspect that most of these staff got the jobs because there is a high demand for English-speaking staff in most holidays resorts, worldwide.
English, being the world's lingua franca ,has made English-speaking graduates highly sought after for top-executive positions in multinational corporations, both in the U.K. and abroad, especially in Europe, China, Russia and other Baltic States.
The British culture of going on "Gap Year", a.k.a doing a sight-seeing world tour after graduation; is the icing on the cake and part of one's education.
However, in the present climate, instead of going on a round -the -world orgy after graduating ,it is wiser to return to Uni for a Master's degree.
In any interview, a higher degree gives you an edge over the other applicants for the same job.
Also, while you are still searching for that plum job,you could try your hands on the many short courses teaching trades and crafts like Fashion Designing, Floristry, Hairdressing, Event Planning, Web-design, Paper Arts and others.
These skills could become money-spinners, if properly managed.
Eventually, you will surely, attain your dream job because you are a winner and a survivor. You will not drown because you will keep at it.
Surely, as the Lord lives, he rewards diligence.
Friday, 25 September 2009
Monday, 14 September 2009
The Higher Life Conference , London 2009 with Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
The Higher Life Conference, London 2009 ended last night, Sunday 13th September.
Thousands, including myself had attended with high expectations. After 3 days and five sessions of ministrations by Pastor Chris, as usual, we were not disappointed.
A few days before this conference , word had reached me about the events in the Higher Life Conference in Ontario, Canada which was from 4th-6th September, just before the one in London .
My friends and cousins in the U.S. and Canada who I had informed about the Canada conference, attended it and they had told me: "Tina, it was believably fantastic!
Be prepared for a life-changing experience in London , next week! The Pastor Chris you knew, is not the same as before! The man of God we saw here this week was hotter than before; on fire, literarily steaming hot! So babe , be ready!"
I loved that ! Wow ! Hmmmm... Oh Glory.....! Thank you Jesus.
The message from the man of God , Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, during this glorious time of refreshing was and is , in a nutshell; the Word of God in you shall prevail, always. We shall walk in the path of life. We shall reign on earth, enjoy fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore when we "remain in the presence of God" .Psalm 16:11.
During all these years that I have known him and been a partaker of Pastor Chris' ministries, he has emphasised the power of the Word; the Spoken Word.
His motto, always, has been: "You are what and where you are today because of what was SPOKEN into your life yesterday!"
Obviously, his own teachings have worked for Pastor Chris. His ministry is hugely successful.
They have impacted and changed my life and done same for the millions of people worldwide who have put his teachings into practice.
Today, whatsoever I do not possess, are those things which I have not desired enough or bothered to ask God for. Whatever I strongly desire and need, I speak them into existence in my life because when I pray and ask , according to his Word, he hears me and answers me, always. Matthew 17:20 , John 14:12-15.
He says: To be a success, change your mentality and change the things you speak forth into your life. Impact your world; change the mentality of people around you.
The tongue is a fire ; a world of iniquity. James 3:2-6 .
Do not speak evil words about yourself and your life situations!
Neither accept it and remain silent when "experts" and others speak unprofitable words concerning your life, health, your families, finances, about your nation,or about your present and your future. Render such words ineffective by the Word of God!
Know the Scriptures. You err and it is self-defeatist when you do not know the scriptures concerning your life. Mark 12:24.
If you get nothing, GET THE WORD in the Holy Bible concerning that situation and SAY IT, declare it and proclaim it boldly , continually against every evil situation in your life and in your situations. And that evil will shift! Amen.
Do not SAY it silently in your heart , as some would wish!
"Pray silently in your heart! Don't do audible prayers and praises.
Be silent before the Lord". NO !
Sometimes, when you have SERIOUS BUSINESS to attend to, there is the urgent need to ROAR the Word against every evil in your life,in families and in your nations!
Roar it in your normal languages and in new tongues.
And when he thus had spoken , he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. John 11:43.
Thousands of peolple from all nations attended the conference.
As usual with Pastor Chris' worldwide ministries, the Word of God which Pastor taught us was confirmed with great, jaw-dropping signs and wonders , miracles and testimonies right from day 1 of it.The conference was, indeed, a spectacular gathering. Really Awesome ! It was three days of joyful praise and worship.
We gloried in His embrace and we went home rejoicing because we were mightily blessed!
Revelations 5:9-10.
And they sung a new song,saying ,Thou art worthy to take the book and to open the seals thereof : for thou was slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on earth. AMEN!
God is, indeed, pleased with the aroma which rose up from Wembley, London into his presence. Revelations 5:8.
Special thanks to the Holy Spirit . We bless you and give you all the praise and glory, Lord!
We acknowledge and appreciate Pastor Chris and his lovely wife , Pastor Anita for being God's Vessels unto honour; to impact blessings into our lives and to the nations of the earth. Thank you and may you increase daily. Amen.
Thousands, including myself had attended with high expectations. After 3 days and five sessions of ministrations by Pastor Chris, as usual, we were not disappointed.
A few days before this conference , word had reached me about the events in the Higher Life Conference in Ontario, Canada which was from 4th-6th September, just before the one in London .
My friends and cousins in the U.S. and Canada who I had informed about the Canada conference, attended it and they had told me: "Tina, it was believably fantastic!
Be prepared for a life-changing experience in London , next week! The Pastor Chris you knew, is not the same as before! The man of God we saw here this week was hotter than before; on fire, literarily steaming hot! So babe , be ready!"
I loved that ! Wow ! Hmmmm... Oh Glory.....! Thank you Jesus.
The message from the man of God , Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, during this glorious time of refreshing was and is , in a nutshell; the Word of God in you shall prevail, always. We shall walk in the path of life. We shall reign on earth, enjoy fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore when we "remain in the presence of God" .Psalm 16:11.
During all these years that I have known him and been a partaker of Pastor Chris' ministries, he has emphasised the power of the Word; the Spoken Word.
His motto, always, has been: "You are what and where you are today because of what was SPOKEN into your life yesterday!"
Obviously, his own teachings have worked for Pastor Chris. His ministry is hugely successful.
They have impacted and changed my life and done same for the millions of people worldwide who have put his teachings into practice.
Today, whatsoever I do not possess, are those things which I have not desired enough or bothered to ask God for. Whatever I strongly desire and need, I speak them into existence in my life because when I pray and ask , according to his Word, he hears me and answers me, always. Matthew 17:20 , John 14:12-15.
He says: To be a success, change your mentality and change the things you speak forth into your life. Impact your world; change the mentality of people around you.
The tongue is a fire ; a world of iniquity. James 3:2-6 .
Do not speak evil words about yourself and your life situations!
Neither accept it and remain silent when "experts" and others speak unprofitable words concerning your life, health, your families, finances, about your nation,or about your present and your future. Render such words ineffective by the Word of God!
Know the Scriptures. You err and it is self-defeatist when you do not know the scriptures concerning your life. Mark 12:24.
If you get nothing, GET THE WORD in the Holy Bible concerning that situation and SAY IT, declare it and proclaim it boldly , continually against every evil situation in your life and in your situations. And that evil will shift! Amen.
Do not SAY it silently in your heart , as some would wish!
"Pray silently in your heart! Don't do audible prayers and praises.
Be silent before the Lord". NO !
Sometimes, when you have SERIOUS BUSINESS to attend to, there is the urgent need to ROAR the Word against every evil in your life,in families and in your nations!
Roar it in your normal languages and in new tongues.
And when he thus had spoken , he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. John 11:43.
Thousands of peolple from all nations attended the conference.
As usual with Pastor Chris' worldwide ministries, the Word of God which Pastor taught us was confirmed with great, jaw-dropping signs and wonders , miracles and testimonies right from day 1 of it.The conference was, indeed, a spectacular gathering. Really Awesome ! It was three days of joyful praise and worship.
We gloried in His embrace and we went home rejoicing because we were mightily blessed!
Revelations 5:9-10.
And they sung a new song,saying ,Thou art worthy to take the book and to open the seals thereof : for thou was slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on earth. AMEN!
God is, indeed, pleased with the aroma which rose up from Wembley, London into his presence. Revelations 5:8.
Special thanks to the Holy Spirit . We bless you and give you all the praise and glory, Lord!
We acknowledge and appreciate Pastor Chris and his lovely wife , Pastor Anita for being God's Vessels unto honour; to impact blessings into our lives and to the nations of the earth. Thank you and may you increase daily. Amen.
Friday, 11 September 2009
Higher Life Conference , Wembley Arena , London.
The Higher Life Conference , London begins today at the Wembley Arena.
It will be a glorious and refreshing time in the Presence of the Lord from today till Sunday,13th September.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Phd)
WEMBLEY STADIUM COMPLEX , LONDON
WEMBLEY ARENA
It will be a glorious and refreshing time in the Presence of the Lord from today till Sunday,13th September.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Phd)
WEMBLEY STADIUM COMPLEX , LONDON
WEMBLEY ARENA
Monday, 7 September 2009
Running For Life
After months of preparation , I joined 17,000 women this morning in Hyde Park, London to run the 5 kilometres race to fundraise for various Charities. I ran to fundraise for Breakthrough Breast Cancer. I finished the race in 41 minutes and 28 seconds.
As at today, the total amount raised by today's participants , is estimated at £2.5 million pounds. Fund raising activities for me and these other women will continue until mid October 2009.
It was a fun-filled day for every one. Afterwards , there was plenty to eat and drink and lots of boat rides on the Serpentine and splashing around in the Princess Diana Memorial Pond, all in Hyde Park.
Many thanks to my Sponsors and all the sponsors who have donated generously to these Charities and to all who will keep donating.
Thanks to the millions of people ; our families , friends and members of the public who lined the routes to cheers us on today. May God bless you all richly. Amen.
Adidas 5 Kilometres Women's Challenge 2009
Hyde Park , London . 11 am Sunday ,6th September, 2009
Saturday, 5 September 2009
Vessels Unto Honour - 2
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver , but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour and some to dishonour.
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified , and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
2 Timothy 2: 20,21
I mentioned in a previous blog(The Master Potter) that the process from mere clay to the well-crafted and exquisite finished product is a process of complete change for the clay.
It is a painful transformation done by the Potter working on the clay; breaking, shaping, tossing and turning the clay.
Then,to produce the final gleaming pottery, the vessel is fired in the kiln , which is a furnace of red hot fire!
In order to come out beautiful and be a "cut above the rest"; a finished work of the highest standard; the clay must be submissive and trust the Potter's expertise.
"If he purges himself, he shall be a vessel unto honour".
He would get a nod of approval from his Maker and the admiration of all men. Amen.
God, the Master Craftsman, could mould a piece of common , dirty clay into the finest pottery , made for special occasions and for special displays.
He sees the end of a thing and of a person from their beginning.
He is faithful so he equips his selected vessels adequately by expertly making them to his own specifications.
He makes different vessels for different purposes.
And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen , yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are.
That no flesh should glory in his presence.
1 Corinthians 1:28,29.
When God gives an assignment,he gives his messengers the grace to perform it.
God did not chose any of the men or girls from the noble and wealthy families of Israel to be the earthly parents of his Son Jesus Christ. He chose a poor carpenter, Joseph of Nazareth and a young virgin Mary.
God gave Mary the grace to submit to God's will and to accept the honour bestowed on her and he gave Joseph the grace for wisdom and strength to accept and protect Mary and her pregnancy. Matthew 1:18-25.
Ungodly men would have disbelieved God, rebelled and raised an alarm to destroy Mary and her unborn child!
When Jesus began his earthly ministry ,he chose his 12 disciples from the working class. Except Luke , who was a physician most of them were uneducated artisans, mainly fishermen.
Throughout his ministry , Jesus sought out and befriended the lowly,the sick and the rejected ones in his community.
Jesus visited and ate with "sinners" to the surprise of his enemies.
Some people would disregard and shun poor people and unrepentant sinners.
Most men of God would avoid like a plague, any situation where they would be seen with and even talking to divorced women.
But Jesus sat and discussed with the serial divorcee, the woman of Samaria, at the Sychar well!
Due to that encounter, she became the first female evangelist of the Gospel; commissioned by the Lord Jesus himself.
He made her a vessel of his honour and sent her to go tell her city about Jesus.
She obeyed his will and many souls accepted the Gospel in a single day.John 4:1- 42.
The Demoniac of Gedara was an entity which no man or woman would touch with a long pole!
His case was so hopeless that his family and entire city had given up hope on him!
Himself had even withdrawn from living amongst humans to make his abode among the tombs. He was possessed with a legion of demons; screaming and cutting himself with stones. No chains could restrain him.
Until that fateful day when he rushed out of the tombs to meet Jesus Christ; and the two of them stood eyeball-to eyeball!
The raving and violent lunatic , who no man could confront, bowed and worshiped Jesus Christ.
And like every thing and every knee , in heaven , in the earth and things under the earth should bow at the name of Jesus. That every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11.
Then,the man of Gedara's life, his story, and reputation changed! He went forth, transformed into a vessel bearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Mark 5:1-20.
Mary Magdalene ,was possessed with seven devils and afflicted with infirmities( Luke 8:2)She was delivered after her encounter with Jesus and to show her gratitude, she became a close follower, aide and worshipper of Jesus.
She was at the Crucifixion and burial of Jesus John 19:25,Matthew 27:58-61.
She was the first human being to see the Risen Saviour at the Tomb of Jesus. Mark16:9.John 20:11-18
The devil has used men and women to write books , make films and documentaries to publish falsehoods about this beautiful relationship between this faithful servant , Mary and her Lord, Jesus.
Their judgement from God awaits them. It will be swift and terrible, unless they confess and repent of their sins.Proverbs 28:13.
Some times , God uses tribulation and great humiliation to break down men's resistance against him and to bring about their conversion.
Saul of Tarsus was at the core of the persecution and killing of the early Christians.
As a sworn enemy of Jesus Christ, of his Gospel and his followers; Saul thought nothing could stop him because he was fighting and killing "for God". Acts 9:1-22.
Until he encountered Jesus Christ!
On his way to Damascus ,to kill more Christians, he was struck down , blinded , thoroughly humiliated and led by hand to seek the help of the very Christians he was going to hunt down!
Thereafter, he was transformed to Paul , the greatest Apostle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Even today, God can perform the same transformation in your life and in my life as he has done for all these vessels of honour , mentioned here.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday ,and today and forever. Hebrew 13:8
God is using men,women and children to do his will on earth ; to make this world a better place for everyone.Their works and inventions are being enjoyed by everyone.
However,while some people have yielded themselves to be used by God , others have chosen the opposite option; to be used by the Devil.
Is your life story that from first thing in the morning till you sleep, you think and plot evil? Satan has been using you to steal, to kill and to destroy? To hatch out plans of your next big lie, houses to burgle, your next fraud victims, kidnap and murder victims; or the next boys , girls, men or women to deceive and seduce.
The list is endless. These are just a few of the fruits borne by the life which is unyielded to God. John 8:43,44.
You need the Good Shepherd. John 10:7--18
Do not be deceived . Maybe you have believed the lie that God cannot be interested in someone like you, that you are too steeped in a depraved lifestyle.
God is merciful and forgiving . He loves you but he hates your sinful lifestyle. Submit your life to him in prayer now and he will beautify every thing that concerns you.
Or are you considered to be " irredeemably violently insane" by everybody ?
Maybe your demons are uncountable and your Satan-induced mental derangement is worse than that of the Demoniac of Gedara!
You are , always, at war with yourself, with something and everything and with everybody! Forever, howling,railing and ranting about something or about nothing!
Although you could be smiling ,looking gentle and harmless, people who know you are not fooled by your demeanor!
Your rejection is so widespread that nobody wants you in their lives, near their homes ,in their neighbourhoods and in their countries. Even when you manage to sneak in, nobody feels safe around you.You are under constant surveillance because they know what you can do.
You need a brain transplant and a rebirth from the Great Physician ,Jesus Christ!
An encounter,today, with the Prince of Peace, will change your reputation.
Have you been despised, hated ,persecuted and falsely accused because you are serving the Lord Jesus, faithfully? The Lord knows your accusers and persecutors.
He will sort them out and he will continue to beautify and promote you before them.
When you call , he will answer. In the day of his visitation, be prepared to submit , wholly, to him and he will surprise you for good. Amen.
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified , and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
2 Timothy 2: 20,21
I mentioned in a previous blog(The Master Potter) that the process from mere clay to the well-crafted and exquisite finished product is a process of complete change for the clay.
It is a painful transformation done by the Potter working on the clay; breaking, shaping, tossing and turning the clay.
Then,to produce the final gleaming pottery, the vessel is fired in the kiln , which is a furnace of red hot fire!
In order to come out beautiful and be a "cut above the rest"; a finished work of the highest standard; the clay must be submissive and trust the Potter's expertise.
"If he purges himself, he shall be a vessel unto honour".
He would get a nod of approval from his Maker and the admiration of all men. Amen.
God, the Master Craftsman, could mould a piece of common , dirty clay into the finest pottery , made for special occasions and for special displays.
He sees the end of a thing and of a person from their beginning.
He is faithful so he equips his selected vessels adequately by expertly making them to his own specifications.
He makes different vessels for different purposes.
And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen , yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are. That no flesh should glory in his presence.
1 Corinthians 1:28,29.
When God gives an assignment,he gives his messengers the grace to perform it.
God did not chose any of the men or girls from the noble and wealthy families of Israel to be the earthly parents of his Son Jesus Christ. He chose a poor carpenter, Joseph of Nazareth and a young virgin Mary.
God gave Mary the grace to submit to God's will and to accept the honour bestowed on her and he gave Joseph the grace for wisdom and strength to accept and protect Mary and her pregnancy. Matthew 1:18-25.
Ungodly men would have disbelieved God, rebelled and raised an alarm to destroy Mary and her unborn child!
When Jesus began his earthly ministry ,he chose his 12 disciples from the working class. Except Luke , who was a physician most of them were uneducated artisans, mainly fishermen.
Throughout his ministry , Jesus sought out and befriended the lowly,the sick and the rejected ones in his community.
Jesus visited and ate with "sinners" to the surprise of his enemies.
Some people would disregard and shun poor people and unrepentant sinners.
Most men of God would avoid like a plague, any situation where they would be seen with and even talking to divorced women.
But Jesus sat and discussed with the serial divorcee, the woman of Samaria, at the Sychar well!
Due to that encounter, she became the first female evangelist of the Gospel; commissioned by the Lord Jesus himself.
He made her a vessel of his honour and sent her to go tell her city about Jesus.
She obeyed his will and many souls accepted the Gospel in a single day.John 4:1- 42.
The Demoniac of Gedara was an entity which no man or woman would touch with a long pole!
His case was so hopeless that his family and entire city had given up hope on him!
Himself had even withdrawn from living amongst humans to make his abode among the tombs. He was possessed with a legion of demons; screaming and cutting himself with stones. No chains could restrain him.
Until that fateful day when he rushed out of the tombs to meet Jesus Christ; and the two of them stood eyeball-to eyeball!
The raving and violent lunatic , who no man could confront, bowed and worshiped Jesus Christ.
And like every thing and every knee , in heaven , in the earth and things under the earth should bow at the name of Jesus. That every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11.
Then,the man of Gedara's life, his story, and reputation changed! He went forth, transformed into a vessel bearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Mark 5:1-20.
Mary Magdalene ,was possessed with seven devils and afflicted with infirmities( Luke 8:2)She was delivered after her encounter with Jesus and to show her gratitude, she became a close follower, aide and worshipper of Jesus.
She was at the Crucifixion and burial of Jesus John 19:25,Matthew 27:58-61.
She was the first human being to see the Risen Saviour at the Tomb of Jesus. Mark16:9.John 20:11-18
The devil has used men and women to write books , make films and documentaries to publish falsehoods about this beautiful relationship between this faithful servant , Mary and her Lord, Jesus.
Their judgement from God awaits them. It will be swift and terrible, unless they confess and repent of their sins.Proverbs 28:13.
Some times , God uses tribulation and great humiliation to break down men's resistance against him and to bring about their conversion.
Saul of Tarsus was at the core of the persecution and killing of the early Christians.
As a sworn enemy of Jesus Christ, of his Gospel and his followers; Saul thought nothing could stop him because he was fighting and killing "for God". Acts 9:1-22.
Until he encountered Jesus Christ!
On his way to Damascus ,to kill more Christians, he was struck down , blinded , thoroughly humiliated and led by hand to seek the help of the very Christians he was going to hunt down!
Thereafter, he was transformed to Paul , the greatest Apostle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Even today, God can perform the same transformation in your life and in my life as he has done for all these vessels of honour , mentioned here.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday ,and today and forever. Hebrew 13:8
God is using men,women and children to do his will on earth ; to make this world a better place for everyone.Their works and inventions are being enjoyed by everyone.
However,while some people have yielded themselves to be used by God , others have chosen the opposite option; to be used by the Devil.
Is your life story that from first thing in the morning till you sleep, you think and plot evil? Satan has been using you to steal, to kill and to destroy? To hatch out plans of your next big lie, houses to burgle, your next fraud victims, kidnap and murder victims; or the next boys , girls, men or women to deceive and seduce.
The list is endless. These are just a few of the fruits borne by the life which is unyielded to God. John 8:43,44.
You need the Good Shepherd. John 10:7--18
Do not be deceived . Maybe you have believed the lie that God cannot be interested in someone like you, that you are too steeped in a depraved lifestyle.
God is merciful and forgiving . He loves you but he hates your sinful lifestyle. Submit your life to him in prayer now and he will beautify every thing that concerns you.
Or are you considered to be " irredeemably violently insane" by everybody ?
Maybe your demons are uncountable and your Satan-induced mental derangement is worse than that of the Demoniac of Gedara!
You are , always, at war with yourself, with something and everything and with everybody! Forever, howling,railing and ranting about something or about nothing!
Although you could be smiling ,looking gentle and harmless, people who know you are not fooled by your demeanor!
Your rejection is so widespread that nobody wants you in their lives, near their homes ,in their neighbourhoods and in their countries. Even when you manage to sneak in, nobody feels safe around you.You are under constant surveillance because they know what you can do.
You need a brain transplant and a rebirth from the Great Physician ,Jesus Christ!
An encounter,today, with the Prince of Peace, will change your reputation.
Have you been despised, hated ,persecuted and falsely accused because you are serving the Lord Jesus, faithfully? The Lord knows your accusers and persecutors.
He will sort them out and he will continue to beautify and promote you before them.
When you call , he will answer. In the day of his visitation, be prepared to submit , wholly, to him and he will surprise you for good. Amen.
Tuesday, 1 September 2009
One Test for All
It is the duty of any ambitious athlete to maintain a disciplined and punishing training schedule for months or even years before a major event. Rippling muscles on their necks , shoulders ,arms, thighs, legs and "six-pack" hard, muscular midriffs are the end results of months of such sustained work-outs.
These muscles are essential for the athletes' peak performance.
No muscles , no medals!
This is why millions of people are suspicious of the motives behind the demand for a gender-check for Caster Semenya.
There is no dispute that Caster Semenya , the record clinching 800 metres female world champion looks like a man.
The South African female athlete DOES look and sound like a man!
And so what? Is that news? What should she have looked like?
Elegant, graceful, stepping gingerly on the tracks ;like a ballerina?
How many of the other world -class female athletes look like women?
Is is feminine to have those rippling, strong muscles of a weightlifter which are the trade marks of ANY top-class female athlete worth her salt?
One would not be surprised to hear demands for drug tests for "overperforming" unknown athletes from "nowhere"; but a demand for a gender-test for a female athlete who looks like a man ?
Strange.Very strange.
It was said that Caster came from NOWHERE to win the title. Very funny! From nowhere? Yet she defeated athletes from "somewhere " by a very wide berth. She and her coach were able to develope a winning strategy which gave her the gold medal in record-breaking time. To the chagrin of some people.
Their strategy, according to Caster was: "Allow them to run ahead , then at 200 metres to the post, sprint forward and kill them. Finish them !"
The gender-check should be not for Caster only , but should be extended to ALL leading female athletes. Especially the female athletes from Germany, Russia and the Eastern European countries. Have you seen the muscles these "women" parade?
Please, if you are reading this and you KNOW or you have seen any medal-wining female athlete , anywhere on earth, who has a feminine body, kindly "educate" me.
What does a "feminine body" look like? It is soft and supple. Not created for extreme physical exertion. Definitely, not rock hard and bulging with strong muscles!
When a man and a woman wear identical tight-fitting jeans and T-shirts, one should be able to differentiate between their body shapes. A flat and trim tummy looks good on anybody. A normal woman should not be flat and straight, front and back, like a ruler!
Since "feminity" is the issue now, it is interesting that the "powers-that-be" in the multi-billion pounds Fashion Industry have a very different mind-set to the World Athletics Governing Council about what the female body should look like.
The latter thinks women should look like women; but the former does not think so.
So while we are at it , why not extend the gender -check ; coupled with a sanity -check to the "beautiful women" who strut their stuff on catwalks and those women and girls who would do ANYTHING to maintain the "in-look" of looking skeletal and as flat as the back of a double-decker bus?
In order for them to comply with the dictates of the "all-knowing" Fashion and Fitness Industry?
It is one thing to make a personal choice to reduce oneself to a neurotic state by trying and failing to achieve some perceived "perfect shape".
What is unacceptable is the mind-control by a group of people to foist their own concepts of "beauty and good looks" on the whole world.
The truth is :the healthy female figure is one that is neither obese , flabby ,skinny or extra thin.
What is normal, feminine or attractive in a size 4 or size 0 woman? With a flat skinny chest and flat skinny bum; with all her bones and tendons jutting out? Also, it is unhealthy and unattractive for anyone, male or female to be overweight.
It is unfair to put pressures on women and young girls to become thin in order to be "acceptable" as attractive and desirable.
Such pressures have caused suicides and mental illnesses like anorexia, bulimia , clinical depression and self-harm amongst the female populace.
Who reserves the right to determine the "acceptable look" for any human being? Acceptable to whom and for what purpose?
There are professional demands on some women for them to look like "Mr Atlas" or like a flat plank of wood. There are also women who are content to choose what size they want to be; that is healthy and based on their Body Mass Index (B.M.I.)
Different women have different B.M.I.s.
Women should not live their lives based on the dictates of the Fashion and Fitness Industry.
Some women are obsessed with the desire to be thin while many others are elated when the answer to their question:
" Does my bum look big in this?" is; "Yes, it does!".
Such women spend thousands of pound on bum and bust enhancing tablets, injections and implants.
Whereas some other women prefer for their pelvic bones, shoulder blades , ribs and spinal column to jut out through their size 0 clothes.
Muscular , beefy, flabby, thin or skeletal , the bottom line is: what message is being sent out by the person?
Is it " I am an athlete, or a model,or I keep fit and trim or I live my life according to the dictates of others"?
Or is it "I please myself; I don't care what others think of me:
if you don't like my shape, get ON YOUR BIKE "!
Whatever the message is, show some understanding and sympathy for why certain people look they way they look.
These muscles are essential for the athletes' peak performance.
No muscles , no medals!
This is why millions of people are suspicious of the motives behind the demand for a gender-check for Caster Semenya.
There is no dispute that Caster Semenya , the record clinching 800 metres female world champion looks like a man.
The South African female athlete DOES look and sound like a man!
And so what? Is that news? What should she have looked like?
Elegant, graceful, stepping gingerly on the tracks ;like a ballerina?
How many of the other world -class female athletes look like women?
Is is feminine to have those rippling, strong muscles of a weightlifter which are the trade marks of ANY top-class female athlete worth her salt?
One would not be surprised to hear demands for drug tests for "overperforming" unknown athletes from "nowhere"; but a demand for a gender-test for a female athlete who looks like a man ?
Strange.Very strange.
It was said that Caster came from NOWHERE to win the title. Very funny! From nowhere? Yet she defeated athletes from "somewhere " by a very wide berth. She and her coach were able to develope a winning strategy which gave her the gold medal in record-breaking time. To the chagrin of some people.
Their strategy, according to Caster was: "Allow them to run ahead , then at 200 metres to the post, sprint forward and kill them. Finish them !"
The gender-check should be not for Caster only , but should be extended to ALL leading female athletes. Especially the female athletes from Germany, Russia and the Eastern European countries. Have you seen the muscles these "women" parade?
Please, if you are reading this and you KNOW or you have seen any medal-wining female athlete , anywhere on earth, who has a feminine body, kindly "educate" me.
What does a "feminine body" look like? It is soft and supple. Not created for extreme physical exertion. Definitely, not rock hard and bulging with strong muscles!
When a man and a woman wear identical tight-fitting jeans and T-shirts, one should be able to differentiate between their body shapes. A flat and trim tummy looks good on anybody. A normal woman should not be flat and straight, front and back, like a ruler!
Since "feminity" is the issue now, it is interesting that the "powers-that-be" in the multi-billion pounds Fashion Industry have a very different mind-set to the World Athletics Governing Council about what the female body should look like.
The latter thinks women should look like women; but the former does not think so.
So while we are at it , why not extend the gender -check ; coupled with a sanity -check to the "beautiful women" who strut their stuff on catwalks and those women and girls who would do ANYTHING to maintain the "in-look" of looking skeletal and as flat as the back of a double-decker bus?
In order for them to comply with the dictates of the "all-knowing" Fashion and Fitness Industry?
It is one thing to make a personal choice to reduce oneself to a neurotic state by trying and failing to achieve some perceived "perfect shape".
What is unacceptable is the mind-control by a group of people to foist their own concepts of "beauty and good looks" on the whole world.
The truth is :the healthy female figure is one that is neither obese , flabby ,skinny or extra thin.
What is normal, feminine or attractive in a size 4 or size 0 woman? With a flat skinny chest and flat skinny bum; with all her bones and tendons jutting out? Also, it is unhealthy and unattractive for anyone, male or female to be overweight.
It is unfair to put pressures on women and young girls to become thin in order to be "acceptable" as attractive and desirable.
Such pressures have caused suicides and mental illnesses like anorexia, bulimia , clinical depression and self-harm amongst the female populace.
Who reserves the right to determine the "acceptable look" for any human being? Acceptable to whom and for what purpose?
There are professional demands on some women for them to look like "Mr Atlas" or like a flat plank of wood. There are also women who are content to choose what size they want to be; that is healthy and based on their Body Mass Index (B.M.I.)
Different women have different B.M.I.s.
Women should not live their lives based on the dictates of the Fashion and Fitness Industry.
Some women are obsessed with the desire to be thin while many others are elated when the answer to their question:
" Does my bum look big in this?" is; "Yes, it does!".
Such women spend thousands of pound on bum and bust enhancing tablets, injections and implants.
Whereas some other women prefer for their pelvic bones, shoulder blades , ribs and spinal column to jut out through their size 0 clothes.
Muscular , beefy, flabby, thin or skeletal , the bottom line is: what message is being sent out by the person?
Is it " I am an athlete, or a model,or I keep fit and trim or I live my life according to the dictates of others"?
Or is it "I please myself; I don't care what others think of me:
if you don't like my shape, get ON YOUR BIKE "!
Whatever the message is, show some understanding and sympathy for why certain people look they way they look.