Monthly Archives: September 2011

Nigeria is 51 Hip Hop Hooray!!!!

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NIGERIA IS
51! HIP HOP HOORAY!!!!!!

Don’t always
be asking, “Where are the good old days? Wise folks don’t ask questions like
that” (Ecclesiastes 7:10 MSG).

For many,
our national independence day has become a time to reminisce and wish for “the
good old days”. Many wonder how come fifty-one years after independence, we
still find ourselves where we are today. Many complain and blame the government
of the day for the deplorable state of affairs in virtually every sector of our
national life. Well, though the nation might have been afore dominated by
governments that may have been lethargic to the needs of its people, yet it’s
important for us to count our blessings as a nation and rejoice about where we
are today.

Our opening
scripture shows that it’s unwise to wish for the “good old days”. The Words of
God in Matthew 7:17 let us know that the results we’re seeing today as a nation
are harvests of the decisions we made yesterday: “Even so every good tree bringth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree
bringth forth evil fruit.” This means the state of the nation today is
founded on the choices of past governments. This is a spiritual reality. So
rather than lament how badly things have turned, be glad about today’s
opportunities, and seize the moment. Be glad about the day you’re living in and
create the joyful atmosphere for a change.

Celebrate
the hope of the glorious future that lies ahead. If we all make the right and
proper investments in our today, we will all reap the harvest of a more
prosperous tomorrow. Make projections and proffer solutions to current
challenges while positioning yourself and the nation for a greater tomorrow.
Our hope of a better tomorrow is in itself worth celebrating.

CONFESSION

My path in life is the path of the
just which shines brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. Today is better
than yesterday, and tomorrow will be better than today. I’m on an upward and
forward journey, and the story of my life is the testimony of God’s grace,
mercy and kindness! Amen!

http://www.rhapsodyofrealities.org

May God Almighty prosper Nigeria and
Israel and defend them from all their enemies in Jesus Christ Name, Amen!

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Divine Appointments. God Can Turn Obstacles Into Opportunities.

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DIVINE APPOINTMENTS! GOD CAN TURN OBSTACLES INTO
OPPORTUNITIES!

Paul and Silas were
praying and singing hymns to God and the prisoners were listening to them. Acts
16:25

Have you ever been stuck in an airport? For 24 hours? In a
city where you can’t speak the language? Four thousand miles from home?

It happened to a friend recently, and we can learn from his
response. While most of us would find such an inconvenience intolerable, my
friend John saw God’s hand in his delay. As he waited out his forced stay, he
looked for opportunities to connect with fellow passengers. He “happened” to
find some fellow Christians from India – and in talking to them he heard about
a ministry they were involved with.  In
fact, because John’s interest matched his new friends’ ministry, they invited
him to India to participate in a short – term project.

How often do we experience delays, changes of plans, and
redirections and treat them as intrusions? It could be that God is detouring us
so we can do something different or new for Him. Consider Paul’s trip to
Philippi in Acts 16. He had gone to Macedonia because of a God-directed vision
(vv.9-10). How could he know that he would end up in prison there? But even
that trip to jail was God-led, because He used Paul to bring salvation to a
jailer and his family (vv.25-34).

God can use inconveniences in our lives if we look at them
as divine appointments. – Dave Branon

“Disappointment – His appointment,”

Change one letter, then I see

That the thwarting of my purpose

Is God’s better choice for me. – Young.

God can turn obstacles into opportunities!

May God Almighty prosper Nigeria and
Israel and defend them from all their enemies in Jesus Christ Name, Amen!

 

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It Pays To Praise And Worship God. Sermon Note.

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IT PAYS TO PRASIE AND WORSHIP GOD!(SERMON
NOTE)

SONG:                          You Deserve The Glory And The Honour!

TEXT:                           John 4:23

STUDY:

  1. Paul And Sila               Acts 16:25-26
  2. The Samaritan Leper   Luke 17:11-19
  3. King Jehoshaphat and the 3 kings 2 Chronicles 20:1-3; 14; 17; 20

WHEN TO WORSHIP AND PRAISE THE LORD

  1. Now That I am Still Alive! Psalm146:2

HOW TO PRASIE AND WORSHIP GOD

  1. With All Our Heart And Forever            Psalm 86:12;  Psalm 9:1-2
  2. Among People And Nations                    Psalm 57:9-11
  3. With Your Own Song                                Psalm 28:7
  4. Continuously And It Is A Sacrifice          Hebrews13:15;  Psalm 113:3

WHY YOU SHOULD WORSHIP AND PRAISE GOD

  1. For God Is Holy And He Inhabit ThePraise Of His People Psalm 22:3
  2. Because Praise  Is Beautiful                                                       Psalm 147:1
  3. For God’s Awesome Majesty                                                      Exodus 15:11
  4. They bring Down The Cloud of God’sGlory                            2 Chr. 5:13
  5. For The Lord Is Good And Praise IsPleasant                         Psalm 135:3
  6. For God’s Loving kindness And HisMercies                           Isaiah 63:7
  7. To Be Saved From All Our Enemies                                          Psalm 18:3
  8. For Whom we are in Christ Jesus                                              Psalm 139:14

In Conclusion:

Matthew 22:37-38

May God Almighty prosper Nigeria and
Israel and defend them from all their enemies in Jesus Christ Name, Amen!

 

 

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Zero Tolerance For Gossip

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ZERO TOLERANCE FOR GOSSIP

You shall not go
about as a talebearer among your people. Leviticus 19:16

When Shayla Mcknight applied for a job for an online
printing company, she was surprised to learn that they had a zero-tolerance
policy for gossip. The employees are encouraged to confront one another,
instead of gossip about their fellow employees. If employees are caught gossiping,
they are reprimanded, and if they continue, they are fired.

Long before this kind of policy was ever implemented by a
company, God spoke of His own zero-tolerance policy for gossip and slander
among His people (Lev.19:16). Idle talk that foolishly or maliciously spreads
rumours or fact about another person was forbidden.

Solomon said that speaking badly of others could have
disastrous effects. It betrays confidence (Prov.11:13), separate close friends
(16:28; 17:9), shames and saddles you with a bad reputation (25:9-10), and
perpetually fuels the embers of a quarrel (26:20-22). People rarely can undo
the damage their untrue words have done to a neighbour.

Let’s ask the Lord to help us not to engage in harmful talk
about others. He wants us to set a guard over our mouths so that we’ll instead
speak all the good we know about everybody. – Marvin Williams

Many things that others say

Are not for us to tell;

Help us, Lord, to watch our tongue –

We need to guard it well.  – Branon

Destroy gossip by
ignoring it!

May God Almighty prosper Nigeria and
Israel and defend them from all their enemies in Jesus Christ Name, Amen!

 

 

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Where to find help in the Scripture/Bible

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WHERE
TO FIND HELP IN THE SCRIPTURES/BIBLE!

Whenever you doubt that God loves you                                 John3:16

Whenever God seems to delay                                                     John11:1-44

Whenever evil seems greater than God                                                                   Revelation19:6

Whenever you doubt that God is able                                       Ephesians3:20

Whenever someone has wronged you                                      Colossians3:13

Whenever you are prideful                                                            Romans12:3

Whenever you need direction                                                      Psalms25:9

Whenever you are anxious                                                            1Peter 5:7

Whenever you feel no one understands                                 Hebrews 4:14

Whenever you are feeling shame                                              Proverbs28:13

Whenever you sin                                                                             1John 1:9

Whenever you need forgiveness                                               Psalms51

Whenever you need guidance                                                    Proverbs3:5-6

Whenever you feel sorry for yourself                                     Psalm102

Whenever you want to enjoy life                                               Isaiah 1:9

Whenever you lost hope in business                                       Revelation3:7

Whenever you carry a heavy load                                             Matthew11:28-30

Whenever you doubt your worth                                              Psalms 139:13-18

Whenever you don’t feel at peace with God                         Romans5:1-5

Whenever you are angry                                                               Ephesians4:26-27

Whenever you see evil people prosper                                  Psalms37:1-3

Whenever you worry                                                                      Matthew6:34

Whenever you abandoned                                                           Hebrews13:5

Whenever you need more than human help                      Psalms46

Whenever your past haunt you                                                 Colossians 1:21-22

Whenever you suffer for doing good                                      1Peter.1:6-7

Whenever you need wisdom                                                      James 1:5-8

Whenever there are troubles with your wife                     Ephesians5:25-30

Whenever there are troubles with your husband           Ephesians5:22-24

Whenever you are tempted to commit sexual sins        1Corinthians 6:18-20

Whenever you lose a loved one                                                1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

May God Almighty prosper Nigeria and
Israel and defend them from all their enemies in Jesus Christ Name, Amen!

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Fashion! Acessoring do’s and don’ts

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Fashion Accessories

Fashion! Accessorizing Do’s  And Don’ts

When it comes to accessories, many  individuals are unaware of the appropriate items that will best work with their  outfit. There are so many options available, it is easy to throw up your hands  and agree to live a life completely void of any accessories. Instead, look  carefully at these accessorizing do’s and don’ts before you let go of these  delightful items that will add polish to any outfit.

Accessorizing Do’s

Choose accessories that will enhance  your outfit. Look at your outfit’s colours, feel, and texture when choosing  appropriate accessories. Work to find accessories that will successfully  benefit a variety of wardrobes to stretch your budget and the items available  to you.

Follow current trends when  accessorizing your wardrobe. Following a fashion magazine to see exactly what  is considered in and what is totally out when it comes to accessories isn’t out  of place.

Have that one signature piece that  accessorizes your outfit. Many individuals work around a particular piece or a  theme when it comes to accessorizing their outfits. For example, look to  include a silk scarf in all your outfits or make your signature piece a  stunning brooch or necklace that can easily be added to any wardrobe.

Accessorizing Don’ts

Don’t choose an accessory that  overpowers your outfit. Remember, it’s called an accessory because you use it  to work with your wardrobe, not completely overshadow you or your clothing.  Avoid large, flashy, or brightly coloured items that can take the focus away  from you.

Don’t wear every current trend at once. Although it’s important to stay  up to date with today’s trends, a “do” can quickly become a “don’t” when worn  together at once.

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Discipline and The Child

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Discipline and the Child
By Deaconess Dolapo Layode

The word “discipline” refers to training  which is both instructive and corrective. The word of God shows us very clearly  that training is targeted towards achieving preset goals and objectives.  Proverbs 22:6 tells us “Train up a child in the way He should go”. The expected  outcome of any training exercise must be clear from the onset.

The responsibility for having a clear  understanding of the expected results of training and discipline lies primarily  with the parents. As Christian parents, it’s important to realize that it is  your responsibility to raise godly children who will grow in the ways of the  kingdom. The Word of God speaks expressly of the uniqueness and peculiarities  of the Christian. (1 Peter 2: 9)  Child  training and discipline therefore should have one primary objective; the growth  and development of a child in the way of the word of God.

The Lord Jesus speaking to us in John 15:  19 tells us “…..we are not of this world”, but we live in this world, thus we  are exposed to the influences of the world. The influences include the senses  and the wisdom of this world therefore as Christian parents, we have the  responsibility of guiding our children to look away from the society and look  unto the way of God’s Word.

Children  Must Know the Word of God

Children in their earlier years learn more  by observation and mimicking rather than from instructions given to them. As  parents, our lives and lifestyles have the primary influence on the lives of  our kids.  Our children learn more from  our actions than from our words, our lives are the first point of contact they  have with the kingdom of God.

Throughout the scriptures, we will observe  that God always instructed His people to plan their lives around the house of  God.  The same applies to us today. In  training our kids, we must show them that we hold the word of God in ultimate  regard. We should do the word of God in all things and at all times.

Our  Convictions Must be Clear

Our convictions and belief system must be  clear in the minds of our children; we must communicate these to them very  early in their lives. They must know that we are non-conformist to this world  and its ways of doing things (Romans 12:1-2). They must know that majority is  not always right and that because an idea is widely accepted does not make it  right; rather they ought to live their lives in the light of God’s Word. This  is very important as our kids begin to interact with the world in school where  they are confronted with negative talking, wrong music, and wrong books etc. As  Christian parents we should be non-apologetic about what we believe and be  dogged in raising our kids to live the Christ– life in its fullness here on  earth, applying corrective measures (punishment) to ensure that our children  are set on the path they must follow.

Training your child in the  way of our kingdom is the best gift any parent can give a child and God has  given you the ability to do this. He depends on you to raise godly kids that  will hurl back the kingdom of darkness and cause the knowledge of the glory of  God to cover the earth as the waters cover the seas.

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Developing bolder and brighter kids

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Developing  Bolder and Brighter Kids
by Pastor Joy Amenkhienan

Learn how to take care of your kids from  the stage of growing up (between the ages of 3-7) to the stage of discernment.

The  Growing Up Stage
At this stage, parents should ensure that  their kids attend church services regularly. They should not leave them at home  while they are in church.

It’s also at this stage that parents ought  to start activating their plans for their kids. That’s when they should  compliment their children on whatever they do. This would give them the  boldness to do better next time. They should not be hushed up whenever they try  to say something and emphasis should not be placed on the wrong things they do  but on the good. Parents must also talk their children up. For example, they  don’t need to have passed an examination before you let them know they’re  intelligent. Parents must use faith-filled words in communicating to their  kids.

Most importantly, kids should be properly  dressed at all times. Good dressing gives them self confidence. They should be  neatly and decently dressed at all times. They should wear the best.

The next stage is between ages 8 and 14.

The  Stage Of Discernment
This is a very critical time for the  children. Parents should pay close attention to their kids because whatever  they learn at this age will not be easily forgotten. Here they begin to make  choices about what appeals to them. Here, constant communication between parents  and kids is very important in avoiding wrong influences. The parents should  guard against wrong habits in their kids.

Parents must know their children’s friends.  They have to ensure that their kids have children of like minds and from  Christian homes around them. Playtime should not just be about playing; parents  should ensure that their kids get the right kind of information during leisure.  This includes the right language, the right games, the right movies, the right  books etc.

Kids can write confessions  and place them on their walls or on their bed sides. They can also have  “talking” sessions and engage in Bible games.

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Office Safety Tips – Safety In The Workplace

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Office Safety Tips – Safety in the workplace

Office safety is very essential in today’s world. That’s why  it’s important to plan ahead for all kinds of workplace emergencies. Think  fire, think electric shock – absolutely anything and everything that you can  think about. Make a list of all these emergencies. Based on this list, make  another list of things you need to have at your workplace to ensure the safety  of your employees. And then install these things.

Here are a few safety tips for the office or for the  workplace:

Keep your working area neat and clean.  One cannot emphasize on this enough. Piles of papers and stacks of files  combined with a tangle of wires are a disaster waiting to happen, on several  fronts. A clean work space will also enable you to identify a problem and  tackle it faster and more effectively.

Ensure that all your doors and windows  have security locks. If you are an establishment that deals with cash on a  daily basis, then you may attract burglars. Install security cameras at doors  and exits. This will help you record the images of thieves and help  the police in locating the culprit.

Install fire alarms. Practice fire  drills with your employees. During the practice sessions, ensure that all the  employees follow the rules (such as getting low on the floor, closing doors and  windows to contain the fire etc.). Mark the exits with noticeable signs so that  employees know where to go to in case such an emergency occurs. Never lock  these exits, but be sure to install security cameras on these doors. Also, it  might be sensible to install fire proof furniture.

Ensure that all the workstations,  machines etc are installed properly. While installing such electric equipment  and appliances, ensure that the wiring and switchboards are earthed properly so  as to prevent electric shocks.

And most of all, insurance is  essential. Although it is not an office safety tip, it often helps to have it  just in case an emergency occurs.

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Taking Initiative

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Taking  Initiative

Initiative is the motivation to direct  effort toward achieving challenging goals and remain determined even when  things get difficult.

Here are some ways any employee can take  greater initiative in his or her job. It’s one thing to tell your employees to  take greater initiative, but another to provide them with easy and clear ways  to do it.

Ways  To Take More Initiative In Your Job 

Innovation—thinking outside the box–is  the spark that keeps organizations moving ever onward and upward. To think  outside the box, you must think differently.

Tips On Thinking Differently

  • Look for new combinations.
  • Ask “what if?” or develop  “what-if” scenarios.
  • Consider approaches you’ve never thought  about before.
  • Brainstorm with others.
  • Be a champion of new ideas — the old ways  aren’t always the best ways. Without innovation, new products, new services,  new ways of doing business would never emerge, and most organizations would be  forever stuck doing the same old things the same old way.


Taking  Action–Capitalizing on Opportunities

Taking action can often be a scary  proposition. It would be much easier to wait for your boss to make the decision  and take the responsibility to tell you what to do and when to do it. However,  progressive companies realize that they need employees at all levels that are  willing and encouraged to take chances and to make decisions–and be willing to  take responsibility for their actions.

Doing Your Homework

Preparation is often the  key to success in any endeavour. You will be more successful in convincing  others that what you believe is the right thing, if you are armed and ready with the  facts. Taking the initiative to do your homework means doing the basic research  necessary to back up your claims, such as obtaining necessary information,  determining costs and benefits, making calculations, and/or gaining buy-in from  others who will be affected.

Making Improvements

One of the easiest–and most  effective–ways for employees to take initiative is to be on the lookout for  ways to improve the work processes, products, services, and systems that are a  vital part of how the organization does its business. In fact, the closer you  are to an organization’s actual product, the greater the chance is that you  have more daily contact with its real business–its customers, clients,  products, and services–than do those who are higher up the ladder.

Perseverance and Persistence

Employees who excel at taking initiative  usually must also persist in the support of the ideas and actions in which they  believe. This type of initiative can, at times, include overcoming the  resistance of higher-ups or of entrenched policies and systems that work to  ensure the maintenance of the status quo.

Unleashing  Creativity In Others

Anyone can unleash the untapped innovation  and creativity in others by applying the following principles:

  • Take the mystery out of creativity by  teaching them what you know.
  • Discover how creative they are and  encourage them.
  • Define specific challenges for them.
  • Minimize in them, the fear of failure.
  • Take personal responsibility for their  actions.
  • Encourage active communications between  you and them.
  • Enhance your own creative skills and  behaviour to set an example.

This is how a leader or an employer ought  to provoke or encourage initiative in others.

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Excelling In Life

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Excelling  In Life
by Pastor Afolabi

People often busy themselves with some  activity that they believe would give them an edge for excellence in various  areas of their lives. For some, it is enrolling for that extra on-the-job  course to sharpen their business acumen; for others, it’s hiring the services  of a pro trainer or coach to improve their skills in some sport. For some  others still, it is sitting for weeks, months or even years under the tutorship  of world class professors and ultimately obtaining a first class degree from  some renowned institution in well acclaimed areas of the world. And maybe for  some, recruiting the best skilled hands to execute the goals of their companies  or organizations would definitely do the “excelling” trick.

These are undeniably laudable efforts,  worthy of emulation. However, that individual who will become truly excellent  in his or her life must primarily learn and apply God‘s principles and skills  of living. Man is a created being; and must necessarily seek to know his  Creator, who having made the product, understands his full functions and  specified his operations; and thus knows what man can achieve, and how and when  best he can achieve it. The Bible is the product manual and must therefore be  the pivot and reference for whoever will maximize his potentials, and  ultimately excel at his endeavours as God’s divine product.

Excelling is not an act or performance,  which is here for a moment only to disappear into oblivion. Rather, it ought to  be a way of life. Excelling in life requires 100% usage of one’s mind; and  one’s capability and its utilization can be reviewed and improved by choice and  at will. A poet once said, “Few are born with talent that excel, but all  are capable of living well.” Rarely will an infant have an angel descend  at his birth and whisper in his ear “You are among the few born with  talent.” Often times, the infant himself grows up to recognize his  talents, and sets the ball rolling to achieve his goals, with a touch of  excellence. Not many are born into the world with the tag “WINNER”.  Thus, winning and doing so excellently is indeed a matter of choice.

So what you need to do is to always  acknowledge yourself as the best product of a painstaking manufacturer, laden  with innate abilities, great talents and limitless potentials. And these, when  put to the right and timely use, according to the principles provided in the  manufacturer’s manual – the Bible – will definitely produce excellent results.

Constantly apply yourself to training and imbibe fresh and   updated information in your field of expertise, or whatever area of endeavour   you seek to pursue. Become consistent, diligent and continually improve on your   skills and personality, always staying abreast of the facts in your field of   play. Soon enough, excelling in life will be your sweet story to tell.

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Don’t Let The Noise Of This World Keep You From Hearing The Voice Of God!

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DON’T LET THE NOISE OF THIS WORLD KEEP YOU FROM HEARING THE VOICE OF GOD!

IN SEARCH OF SILENCE!

I HAVE CALMED AND QUIETED MY SOUL. (PSALM 131:2)

My next record should be 45 minutes of silence”, said singer Meg Hutchinson, “because that’s what we’re missing most in society.”

Silence is indeed hard to find. Cities are notoriously noisy due to the high concentration of traffic and people. There seems to be no escape from loud music, loud machines, noisy generators, and loud voices. But the kind of noise that endangers our spiritual well-being is not the noise we can’t escape but the noise we invite into our lives. Some of use noise as a way of shutting out loneliness: voices of TV and radio personalities give us the illusion of companionship. Some of us use it as a way of shutting out our own thoughts: other voices and opinions keep us from having to think for ourselves. Some of us use noise as a way of shutting out the voice of God: constant chatter, even when we’re talking about God, keeps us from hearing what God has to say.

But Jesus, even during His busiest times, made a point of seeking out places of solitude where He could carry on a conversation with God (Mark 1:35). Even if we can’t find a place that is perfectly quiet, we need to find a place to quiet our souls (Ps 131:2), a place where God has our full attention. – Julie Ackerman Link

There is a quiet resting place,

Where peace and joy are found;

Where burdens may be laid aside

And faith and love abound-Moore

Don’t let the noise of this world keep you from hearing the voice of The Lord.

May God Almighty prosper Nigeria and Israel and defend them from all their enemies in Jesus Christ Name, Amen!

 

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Honour your father and mother that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12

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HONOURING YOUR PARENTS

Honour your father and mother that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12

My dad recently turned 90 years old and his physical capabilities are fading. He can still move around with his walker, but he needs someone to cook his meals and help him with other tasks.

My older brother Steve and his wife Judy lived close to him, so they decided to move in with Dad to care for him. Wanting to help in some way, my wife and I flew across the country to help out a bit by watching Dad while my brother and his wife had some time away together. We enjoyed our time with my father and were glad to ease Steve and Judy’s load – even if it was only for a few days.

The Bible says to “honour your father and mother” (Eph. 6:2). One New Testament commentary says that to honour someone is to “treat him with the deference, respect, reverence, kindness, courtesy, and obedience which his station in life…..demands.”

For young children, this means obeying your parents. For teenagers, it indicates showing respect for Mom and Dad even if you think you know more than they do. For young adults, this means including your parents in your life. And for those in middle-age and beyond, it means making sure that parents are cared for as they move into old age or their health declines.

How can you honour your parents this week? – Dennis Fisher

Don’t miss the opportunity

To honour and obey

The parents God has blessed you with –

For they’ll be gone someday. – Sper

Honouring Our Parents Has No Age Limit!

May God Almighty prosper Nigeria and Israel and defend them from all their enemies in Jesus Christ Name, Amen!

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Jesus Loves You And He Understands Your Pains And Sorrows! The Lord Is Gracious And Full Of Compassion. Psalm 145:8

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Jesus loves you and He understands your pains and sorrows!

The Lord Is Gracious And Full Of Compassion. Psalm 145:8

I have a friend who was working in his home office one evening, trying to get some necessary paperwork done. His little girl, who was about 4 years old at the time, was playing around his desk, puttering about, moving objects here and there, pulling out drawers, and making a good deal of noise.

My friend endured the distraction with stoic patience until the child slammed a drawer on one of her fingers and screamed in pain. Reacting in exasperation he shouted, “That’s it!” as he escorted her out of the room and shut the door.

Later, her mother found her weeping in her bedroom and tried to comfort her. “Does your finger still hurt?” she asked. “No,” the little girl sniffled. “Then why are you crying?” her mother asked. “Cause,” she whimpered, “When I pinched my finger, Papa didn’t say, “Sorry!’”

Sometimes that’s all we need, isn’t it? Someone who cares and who will respond with kindness and compassion, someone who will say, “Sorry!” or “I love you!” We have One name Jesus who does that for us.

Jesus loves us, understands our pains and sorrows, and gave Himself for us (Eph. 5:2). Now we are to “Walk in love” and imitate Him. –David Roper

Knowing God – what comfort there,

Drawn by His eternal care;

Love from God- what joy we share,

Drawn into His mercies rare. – Branon

God’s whisper of comfort quiets the noise of our trials!

May God Almighty prosper Nigeria and Israel and defend them from all their enemies in Jesus Christ Name, Amen!

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The Secret Things Belongs To The Lord Our God

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WHY ME!

The secret things belong to the Lord Our God (Deuteronomy 29:29)

Recently I read Psalm 131, one of my favorite Psalms. In the past, I viewd it as an encouragement to understand that mystery is one of the hallmarks of God’s character. It challenged me to let my mind be at rest, since I am unable to understand all that God is doing in His universe.

But then I saw another side of David’s calm spirit: I am unable to understand all that God is doing in me, and it is impossible to try .

David draw a comparison between a weaned child that no longer fret for what it once demanded, and a soul that has learned the same lesson. It is a call to learn humility, patient, endurance, and contentment in all my circumstances-whatever they are-though I do not understand God’s reasons. Divine logic is beyond the grasp of my mind.

I ask, “Why this affliction? Why this anguish?” The Father answers, “Hush, child. You wouldn’t understand if I explained it to you. Just trust me!”

So, I turn from contemplating David’s example to ask myself: Can I, in my circumstances, “hope in The Lord?” (vs 3). Can I wait in faith and patience without fretting and without questioning God’s wisdom? Can I trust Him while He works in me His good, acceptable, and perfect Will? –David Roper

It may not be for me to see

The meaning and the mystery

Of all that God has planned for me

Till “afterward!”

In a world of mystery, it’s a comfort to know The God Who knows all things!

May God Almighty Our Heavenly Father
prosper Nigeria and Israel and defend them from all their enemies in Jesus
Christ Name, Amen!

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Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal

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INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

Lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:20)

Jason Bohn was a college student when he made a hole-in-one golf shot that won him a million dollars.while others may have squandered that money, Bohn had a plan. Wanting to be a pro golfer, he used the money as a living-and-training fund to improve his golf skills. the cash became an investment in his future – an investment that paid off when Bohn won the PGA Tour‘s 2005 B.C Open. Bohn’s decision to invest in the future instead of living for the moment was a wise one indeed.

In a sense, that is what Our Lord Jesus Christ calls us to do. We have been entrusted with resources-time, ability, opportunity-and we decide how to use them. Our challenge is to see those resources as an opportunity to invest long-term. “Lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven”, is how Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ puts it in Matthew 6:20. Those protected tresures cannot be destroyed nor taken away, The Master assures us.

Think of your resources: talent, time, knowledge. These are temporal and limited. but if you invest them with an eye towards eternity, these temporary things can have enduring impact. What is your focus? Now or eternity? Invest in the future. It will not only have an eternal impact, but it will also change the way you view life each day. – Bill Crowder

Whatever is done in love for Christ

Will one day have Heaven’s reward;

Today let’s do what we can for Him,

Our loving Savior and Lord –Hess

The richest people on earth are those who invest their lives in Heaven

May God Almighty Our Heavenly Father
prosper Nigeria and Israel and defend them from all their enemies in Jesus
Christ Name, Amen!

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Teach Us To Number Our Days That We May Gain A Heart Of Wisdom (Psalm 90:12) Grandfather’s Clock

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TEACH US TO NUMBER OUR DAYS THAT WE MAY GAIN A HEART OF
WISDOM (PSALM 90:12)

GRANDFATHER’S CLOCK

In 1876, Henry Clay Work wrote the song “My Grandfather’s
Clock.” The song describes a grandfather’s clock that faithfully ticks its way
through its owner’s life. Childhood, adulthood, and old age are all viewed in
relationship to his beloved timepiece. The refrain says:

Ninety years without
slumbering,

Tick, tock, tick,
tock,

His life’s seconds
numbering,

Tick, tock, tick,
tock,

But it stopped, short,

Never to go again,

When the old man died.

The relentless ticking of the clock reminds us that our time
on earth is limited. Despite the joys and pains of life, time always marches
on. For the believer, our time on earth is an opportunity for gaining wisdom.
The psalmist writes, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of
wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).

One way of numbering our days is to ask ourselves these
kinds of questions: How can I become more like Christ? Am I reading the Bible
regularly? Am I devoting time to prayer? Am I meeting together with other
believers? The way we answer these questions is an indicator of the progress
we’re making in gaining wisdom and becoming more like Christ Jesus.

No matter the phase of life – childhood, youth, middle age,
or our senior years – life always afford us opportunities to grow in faith and
wisdom. Numbering our days is the wise response to life’s inevitable progress.

How are you progressing on your journey? – Dennis Fisher

Don’t spend your time
– invest it!

May God Almighty Our Heavenly Father
prosper Nigeria and Israel and defend them from all their enemies in Jesus
Christ Name, Amen!

 

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Hero worship! I wil praise You, For I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)

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HEROES WORSHIP! I WILL PRAISE YOU, FOR I AM FEARFULLY AND
WONDERFULLY MADE (PSALM 139:14)

When I was a kid, I had a hero: Peter Maravich, a
high-scoring basketball player who handled the ball like a magician.

Problem was, my desire to be like Pistol Pete blocked my
satisfaction with who God made me to be. When I realized I could never play
like Pete, I grew discouraged. I even quit my college team briefly because I
couldn’t measure up to the Maravich standard.

Kids still do that kind of things. They grow unhappy with
who God made them to be because they measure themselves by their “perfect”
heroes.

Christian singer Jonny Diaz recognized this and wrote a song
called “More Beautiful You.” The song begins: “Little girl fourteen flipping
through a magazine; says she wants to look that way.” Some young girls wish
they could be like Disney star Selena Gomez or another star the way I wanted to
be like Maravich. Diaz sings, “There could never be a more beautiful you; don’t
buy the lies……; you were made to fill a purpose that only you could do.” Diaz
is saying what another songwriter said under the inspiration of God thousands
of years ago: “[We are] fearfully and wonderfully made”. (Ps. 139:14).

God made us the way He wants us to be. Believe it! There
could never be a more beautiful you- Dave Branon

Lord, we are Yours,
You are our God;

We have been made so
wondrously;

This human frame in
every part

Your wisdom, power,
and love we see

We are beautiful
masterpieces designed by God!

May God Almighty Our Heavenly Father
prosper Nigeria and Israel and defend them from all their enemies in Jesus
Christ Name, Amen!

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I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord (2 Kings 22:8) Find the book

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I HAVE FOUND
THE BOOK OF THE LAW IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD (2 KINGS 22:8). FIND THE BOOK!

One Sunday
at the church where I pastor, I invited three children to find several scrolls
with Bible verses written on them that I had hidden in our worship centre. I
told them that once they found them and read the words aloud, I would give them
a prize. You should have seen those kids! They ran, moved chairs, and looked
under plants and in purses (with permission). Their search for the scroll was
intense, but exciting. Their diligent search and subsequent discovery of the
scrolls led to joy in the children, affirmation from our congregation, and a
renewed sense of the importance of God’s Word.

In 2 kings
22-23, we read how King Josiah and the people of Judah rediscovered the joy and
importance of God’s Word. During the repairing of the temple, Hilkiah the high
priest found the Book of the Law. It must have been lost or hidden during the
reign of Manasseh. The when the scroll was read to King Josiah, he listened and
responded to it (vv. 10-11). He sought further understanding of it (vv.12-20),
and he led the people to renew their commitment to its importance in their
lives (23:1-4).

Many today
have unprecedented access to God’s Word. Let’s renew our commitment to “find” it
every day and by our lives show its prominence. – Marvin Williams

O Book divine, supreme, sublime

Entire, eternal, holy, true;

Sufficient for all men and time-

We pledge our faith to thee anew

To know Christ, The Living Word, is
to love the Bible, the written Word.

May God Almighty Our Heavenly Father
prosper Nigeria and Israel and defend them from all their enemies in Jesus
Christ Name, Amen!

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Beloved, let us love one another: For love is of God; and everyone that loves is born of God, and knows God. He that loves not knows not God; for God is love

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BELOVED, LET US LOVE ONE ANOTHER: FOR LOVE IS OF GOD; AND
EVERYONE THAT LOVES IS BORN OF GOD, AND KNOWS GOD. HE THAT LOVES NOT KNOWS NOT
GOD; FOR GOD IS LOVE (1 JAMES 4:7-8)

The Lord Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?”
and He insisted on a respond each time (John 21:15-17). Though Jesus knew Peter
loved Him, He wanted him to say it. In Matthew 17:5, God the Father, spoke from
heaven of His love for Jesus. You see, God doesn’t only love, He talks it too.

Some people find it difficult to say, “I love you.” Some
parents find it difficult to say to their children, “I love you.” “My kids know
I love them”, they’ll say. If you ask them how they came about that conclusion,
their response may be, “I feed, house and educate them; so they ought to know I
love them.”

Well, that’s not good enough. Convicts in prisons are fed,
housed and even clothed and it’s not that the government loves them; rather,
it’s out of their responsibility. “I love you” is part of the love-language in
the Kingdom of God. Therefore, as God’s child, you must train yourself not only
to demonstrate love through your actions; but also speak its language.

When Christ fills your life, it will become easy for you to
talk love. The Bible tells us that God sent Jesus because He loved you and not
that you were very nice and kind (Romans 5:8). You’re a product of love. When
you begin to think this way, you’ll see others through the eyes of love; you’ll
see them the way God sees them, as valuable and priceless. You’ll also learn to
say, “l love you” not out of weakness, but out of the understanding that love
is the greatest power in the universe. Make up your mind to speak the language
of love always. Even if you were treated badly or spoken to in an
uncomplimentary way, refuse to respond with harsh or bitter words. Remember
that “……the love of God is shed abroad in
our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:5). You are
a love-child of a love-God, therefore, let your words be full of love.

CONFESSION

The love of God has been deposited in my heart by the Holy
Ghost, and I walk in love every day of my life. I refuse to walk in malice,
anger and bitterness. I am a love-child of a love-God. Amen!

www.rhapsodyofrealities.org

Thank You Daddy for Our nations Nigeria and Israel! In Jesus Mighty
Name, Amen!

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