The Parent's Desire

                                    

God has given us treasures to groom.. We receive our children from God, like raw gems they must be polished.. We do the best we can in polishing them, inside and outside. Feeding them, cleaning them, dressing them, teaching them, educating them, instilling values in them, disciplining them, protecting them and above all loving them. 

We tirelessly give them whatever they need, year in year out, messing up here and there, but picking up ourselves and moving on. All in hope that one day they will be honorable, disciplined, hardworking, loving, and most of all, God fearing.

The all-able God has placed in our insufficient hands these treasures, to bear, raise and present back to Him. May He give us the wisdom, strength and grace to do a job worth praising. 

Psalm 127:3-5

3 Children are a heritage from the Lord,
    offspring a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
    are children born in one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man
    whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
    when they contend with their opponents in court.

The Road Not Taken

Ever wonder about the road not taken? The things you could have done and did not do? The influence these choices could have had on your life?

Ever wonder if the choices you made were the best for you or for those around you?

If you ever get to this point, remember that you are right where you are meant to be (especially if you chose wisely, rightly or after praying)

Psalm 139:16 "Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

Know that God already knows everything you are going to do before you are going to do it. He works out everything we go through for His glory and for our good.

If you are sure you made the wrong choice, ask God for a chance to redeem that lost opportunity. He is able to turn things around for your good and especially for His glory.

I love what Robert Frost said in this poem;

The Road Not Taken

BY ROBERT FROST

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

  So, whenever you have the chance to choose which path to take, consider wisely, because one day you will look back and wonder if you did the right thing.

Going Through Unpredicatble Times

Our paths in this life are not straight. Whereas some of us are spontaneous and ready to ride with the winds, others prefer to have an idea of what is coming up. To see the next few steps. Analyze them well before taking them.

God does not grant us that privilege, He guides us one step at a time. Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path" He guides us with His word. The word of God provides us with wisdom and guidance on what to do, and when there is nothing to do, it asks us to be still, to wait on God.

So, what should you do in those nerve racking situations? Relax and put your best foot forward. Understand that everything will be revealed in due time. You do not have to know it all right now, you will soon enough. 

In the meantime, just do your part, and do it well.

I love what this hymn about the future;

I do not know what lies ahead

1
I do not know what lies ahead,
the way I cannot see;
yet One stands near to be my guide,
He’ll show the way to me:

I know who holds the future,
and He’ll guide me with His hand;
with God things don’t just happen,
everything by Him is planned.
So as I face tomorrow,
with its problems large and small,
I’ll trust the God of miracles,
give to Him my all.

2
I do not know how many days
of life are mine to spend;
but One who knows and cares for me
will keep me to the end:

I know who holds the future, ...

3
I do not know the course ahead,
what joys and griefs are there;
but One is near who fully knows,
I’ll trust His loving care:

I know who holds the future, ...

Alfred B Smith & Eugene Clarke; 1947 

Ecclesiastes 9:11"I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all."

Being Intentional

Being intentional about something means being deliberate, purposing to do it. 

It is true that so many things in our lives are predestined and unchangeable. Most of your physical qualities for example, are permanent. Science is doing a lot to change that but let's not go there.

All the other aspects of your life are subject to change. All are subject to your will. The only time you may do something albeit your will is when you are hypnotized.

Obedience does not mean you are doing something out of your will. It means you have bent your will to fall in line with whoever is asking for it. So, still, you are in charge.

This brings up the question; who is responsible for the things that you do? You are. And if you are, why do you do these things? Because you WILL to. 

Therefore, it is totally within you to purpose to do the things that you would love to do. 

Bad habits, addictions and sinful ways will definitely always be enticing. They will still take the upper hand several times because we are naturally weak. But if we intend to change those patterns, if we purpose to do something better, more honorable, pure, praiseworthy, we will make it by God's grace and strength to sustain us and by being intentional.

Being intentional about something means you will be going against tides of your nature, your feelings, the norm, peer pressure, your weaknesses, etc.

Disciplines and virtues like bible study, prayer, patience, graceful talk, kindness, quietness, gentleness, self control, humility, exercise, hard work, memorizing scripture, and all such wonderful attributes are achievable when they are intentionally pursued.

If you let intentionality rather than feelings direct your actions, you will be better able to;

Achieve the disciplines you desire and thus lead an effective life

Obey God and thus show your love for Him

Love your neighbor as yourself

Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him"

Overcoming Laziness

Laziness is the quality of being unwilling to work or use energy; idleness (Oxford dictionary). This means therefore that it has nothing to do with ability and everything to do with the will.

Laziness has to do with work. Doing that for which you are responsible. 

The cost of laziness is very high. Imagine your heart, which has faithfully pumped blood from the time you were conceived, decided to take a break! It could cost you your life. 

Laziness costs in such a way that you receive less because you work less. If it has to do with someone's resources, they receive less rewards because their workers do not work hard enough. If it is your own investment or life, you reap less because you sow less.

Laziness is wickedness before God. Proverbs 18:9 "He also who is slack in his work is brother to him who destroys." He who destroys sins by commission but him who is lazy sins by omission. There is no difference because one who is lazy chooses to destroy as well. 

Matthew 25:26-30 "But his master answered and said to him, 'You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. 'Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. 'Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.'

This is not to say you do not need a break when you get tired, you do, especially when you have been working hard. Your body is your greatest physical asset so you must take good care of it. Sleep enough, eat well, clean yourself and protect yourself. Your body is the temple of the LORD, it must be kept well.

The good news is it is within your power to overcome laziness. All you have to do is decide. Decide to work. Will to work. And then work.  And keep working. It is all about how badly you need it.

Naturally, some things may be easier for you to do than others. Some methods better. Always remember, it is not only the physical strength you put in that matters but also the effectiveness and productiveness of the job. Before a task, ask yourself if there are any methods of execution that make it easier and faster. If there is, go for it. Work smart.

The appreciation we receive for our work is surely a motivating factor. But what if it does not come? What if no one cares? It is then that you need to evaluate your motives, Work hard to God's glory. Work hard for your own benefit. Work hard to leave a legacy…

When you finally enjoy the fruit of your hard work, you will be truly satisfied in it, knowing you did your best.

Stumbling Blocks In Our Lives

Being a stumbling block in someone's life is placing someone in a position that makes them prone to sin(fall)...

We definitely come across so many blocks in our own lives and we too block so many, intentionally and unintentionally.

What do we do when someone does something that makes us want to sin, or simply brings our the worst in us? Pause and think about it(if you are lucky enough to have the time to digest it!) and try, by all means, to do the right thing. It will totally throw the block off balance(if they tried to stumble you intentionally). 

Sometimes though, someone may stumble you unintentionally, please be cool and still try to do the right thing. Communicate in love and truth.

I was in church with my husband recently and after the service, a mature lady approached us and politely asked to speak to us. She said my day's dress code had been inappropriate as it is not allowed to wear pants in church. I asked for forgiveness and promised to dress appropriately next time. 

I totally had no ill motives that morning as I got ready for church and yet I had stumbled the lady, and maybe a few others that shared her sentiments.. 

Then other times we may do something out of spite, just to get on someone's nerves, probably for a reason, but sometimes for fun.

Luke 17:1 "Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come"

As such, may we examine our hearts and motives before we do something so that we do not stumble someone out there.

Romans 12:18 "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

The Burden Of Perfection

Some of us pursue perfection because we naturally want perfection, then most of us strive for perfection because it is required of us, or at least we think it is.

It is a wonderful thing to strive for perfection when delivering services, no one wants to put their lives in the hands of a bad doctor. It is even against the professional ethics of a doctor to deliver less than what is perfect in their ability. All other service providers strive to deliver perfection because it is what sets them apart. Again, no one wants to spend hard earned money on poor service providers.

Other times, we aim to please, especially when going for a formal job interview, or representing someone in authority. And that is an honorable thing.

When your imperfection is not detrimental to another person's life, then it is okay to be imperfect. 

No one is perfect and that is what makes us human. It is therefore unrealistic to expect constant perfection from your neighbor. Cut your family some slack, same for your friends and your neighbors. Cut yourself some slack. If you don't, you will be constantly disappointed. 

And when you are weak, let someone stronger support you, and when you see someone weak, help them, support them.

Galatians 6:2 "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

 

This is not to say it is okay to sin. We should learn to be appalled by sin, repent of it and turn away from it. 

It is okay to cry, to be hurt, to be angry, to be tired, to be sleepy, to be happy,  to laugh, to be heartbroken, to get sick, to get wet, to get dirty, to fall down... to not be perfect. Let us be human. 

What To Do While Waiting

Waiting is not the most pleasant of circumstances that we all must go through. It can be daunting, especially when you are waiting for an answer or breakthrough on something you desperately need.

Regardless of what you are waiting for, you can choose to either spend that time more pleasantly, doing something beneficial or anxiously grumble over the time as it passes by.
Such a time, I believe is so crucial a test for any believer and as such requires careful tending. It is then that you should shift your focus a bit and do something good for yourself and especially for someone else. There is always a need around you. 

Worship God; In prayer, praying for others, your family, friends and leaders. 

In songs, giving thanks to God, for the things He has done for you and for others.

And in works, offering services to those around you that need it, supporting the weak, being a blessing to others and encouraging others...

Keep the faith and know that the one who created all things knows what you need and delights in providing for you in line with His will.

Do whatever you can so that when you look back on the waiting period, after your answer has come, it is with pleasant memories. Knowing you and someone else benefited from the wait.

Psalm 130:6 "My soul [waiteth] for the Lord More than watchmen [wait] for the morning; [Yea, more than] watchmen for the morning."

Liberating Obedience

We all so easily profess our love for God. But isn't love for God so strongly tied to our obedience to Him? John 14:15 "If you love me, keep my commands"

I feel stuck and enslaved at the thought of obedience because I'm naturally a very stubborn being, always wanting my way.

But what does God require of me? of us? He prefers obedience to any amounts of sacrifice we are willing to make. 1Sam 15:22 "But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams."

Obedience is one thing that will not come easy because of our natural tendencies to want to be in control, to want to be in charge of our lives. It calls for letting go of our urge to control, to submit ourselves to God.

Obedience brings freedom, it liberates. Liberates us from being in control, from fear, from worry. Because you do your part, what God expects of you, and you leave the rest to Him, knowing He will keep His end of the bargain.

Surrender

Surrender of our situations and of our lives to God is a beautiful thing. It means just letting go to God.

It takes humility to surrender. But if we are surrendering to God, who is immeasurably stronger than we are, it ought to be a source of relief for us. We should be running to Him in surrender because He loves us more than our minds can grasp, and would love to be in control of our situations and of our lives. 

Louie Giglio tried to show us a glimpse of the greatness of God in this video and it was mind blowing... God's greatness is unfathomable for us.

Psalm 131 "My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore"

In surrendering to God we will find rest. Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

So give to God whatever is burdening you. And also give God your life, allow Him full access to your heart and you will be amazed at the things He will do in you. 

Choosing Your Battles

Some of us are naturally very good hell-raisers and others are naturally so laid back. The hell raisers fight at any slight provocation while the laid back so often get trampled upon. Many of us are somewhere in between. 

There are so many battles we face, they could come in form of misunderstandings and disagreements, problems and challenges in life, physical and health issues and the like.

Not every battle you face is worth fighting over. The cost may just be too high.. For example, why quarrel over the famous toothpaste tube? Just buy yourself another and let your partner be. Why quarrel over the road route taken if all will get you there? 

Then some battles are just not yours? Why try to change a person? Just pray for them and advise them. 

Others are just too big for us. Why attempt to feed all the hungry in the world? Feed those you can manage.

We must learn to; have a high tolerance for trivial issues, a thick skin to sieve what gets to us, some tact to solve problems before they are blown out of proportion.

Then when you must fight, know your battle, know your enemy(It is a waste of time to fight with some people) and prepare.

The best preparation there is to make is in prayer. Pray because you need God's blessing, you need wisdom, deliverance and strength.

Seek God's guidance on how to fight by reading His word and knowing what He expects from you. 

Most of what we fight against is actually spiritual, so we must fight against these forces first. 

Ephesians 6:11-12 "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Ask for help when you need it, from friends or family. A strong support system is a wonderful thing. Even when you seem to be alone, know you have Someone bigger than people ever willing to be by your side, God. 

King David, the greatest warrior, knew he could only succeed with the LORD's help when he prayed, "Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, "I am your salvation."...Psalm 35:1-3

Dear friend, there are very many wars out there, fight those worth fighting!

Closed Doors

A door in life may be an opportunity, a responsibility, a relationship or a circumstance. They keep opening and closing, and new ones keep showing up. Some we are able to open, others we are not. Some doors close themselves and others we close ourselves.

It may feel painful when a door in your life unexpectedly closes but take heart, It is just the beginning of something new. Something that could be even better.

Doors close for several reasons, like;

• You are progressing to something better
• You mishandled the opportunity
• That season ended, another is starting
• It just wasn't meant for you

Whatever the reason, do not be discouraged, instead be thankful for the closed doors, brace yourself, and look keenly for those that are opening.  

1Thess 5:18 "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 

Inner Peace

There are two descriptions of peace; One is the absence of trouble(most common description) and the other is that stillness in the soul that can endure through situations as turbulent as storms. The quietness that comes from confidence in the LORD. Confidence that He is in control.

The 'peace' that comes from absence of turmoil or trouble is temporary and not so strong. Anything can shake it... You may have all you need and still be anxious, fretful, unsettled and even dissatisfied. Always yearning for more.

The peace that comes from God is absolute. It surpasses human understanding. 

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid"

So how can this peace be acquired? 

Philippians 4:6-7"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

The peace that God gives is beyond our understanding as humans. It is able to guard our hearts and minds from fear, anxiety, fretfulness, and all the troubles these conditions bring along.

So, pray to the Almighty, and gladly leave your requests in His very able hands.

Kindness

Kindness is a quality of love. Kindness is being friendly, generous and considerate to others. Considering others over self in actions and words.

It almost comes naturally to be kind to those who are kind to you. But it makes the biggest impact when you are kind to those who treat you otherwise. Your enemies, rude people, arrogant people, hostile people, and the like.

Romans 12:21 "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" Doing good to one who is treating you badly is something very powerful. It throws the other person off balance and their motivation to continue doing evil starts weakening.

If kind words are used in an argument, very little or no hurt can be caused. In some situations, words are not applicable but since actions are louder than words, they powerfully deliver the same message, "I may be hurt by what you have done to me, but I will not do the same to you. I will treat you with love"

Kindness is a very powerful tool in restoring peace in any relationship that is having a hard time. It is an oil that smooth-ens out any friction and keeps a relationship growing peacefully. 

Colossians 3:12"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."