Anon. the great built this

It has been cold in these nether regions for sometime now. But you wouldn’t think so looking out from the inside of my apartment. I did wonder if I should venture out, and brace the cold. But then again, I thought to myself, I must think it over a hot cup of tea. As I sat on my chair made from solid oak, set in front of my fire place, I became immediately convinced that it was better to go outside than to stay indoors and see what the day had to offer. And as I stood up taking one final look out of the window before making that all important decision, I needed no more persuasions as I watched the sun reflect off the leaves of the oak tree standing opposite my front window. For the tree had yet to completely shed off its leaves. Hurray I said to myself, I will go out and take a walk along the deserted streets.

I was wrapped up warm, in all my essentials, no point getting caught out in the cold; I wandered down the via madoninna, and made a left down the church alley way, up the via don tommaso, and immediately a bus came by. I hopped on the bus and after the tenth stop I made my exit. All excited as I was I looked up, and there it was a magnificent building. It was situated at the end of the square, and on each side of it were buildings which dated back to the thirteenth century, with murals (or fresco) all painted all over it. As I marveled at these sights, I couldn’t help but say to myself, my goodness great men have indeed walked through these paths. But who were they? As I continued to walk through the square, past the piazza duomo, and right towards the great cathedrals, I saw a statue of a waterfall, with all the embellishment that came with such a monument. But who built this I said to myself? Who was he?

I went into the information center to gather some information on the sights I had just beheld, and there it was, the names of the minds that conceived these great artistries. Some as old as 800 years, but who were they? As I tried to navigate my way through the streets, and the artistries conceived by such great minds, I couldn’t help but wonder; if these men were able to leave such a legacy here on earth, what became of them in heaven? I hear and see their names. Men of unrivaled minds, yet, what did heaven have to say about them? Indeed what did heaven have to say about them?

Was their entire life’s efforts in vain? Was it worth being the most famous artist, painter, architect, builder, stone mason in the entire world, and yet be recorded as an anonymous in heaven? Ecclesiastes 2:17-18: “So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me”.

I soon forgot the cold and the whispering wind that tried to deny me of my much coveted scarf which kept the cold from reducing the temperature around the base of my head. And as the night drew near, I pondered upon my life, and wondered would heaven record me as anon?

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What would heaven say about me, about you, about you and I? The bible reminds us of the importance of leaving behind a legacy for our children and children’s children (not just materially) – [Proverbs 13:22; Proverbs 1:8-9; Proverbs 22:6; 5; Proverbs 29:17; Deut. 6:7; 20; Ephesians 6:4]; but most importantly it reminds us to rejoice that our names have been written in the book of life, because that is the greatest achievement we can ever attain in this life (Luke 10:20).

Would heaven record you as anon, or as someone who left behind a Godly Legacy?

Don’t even try to say that because you’ve messed up so many times disqualifies you from being noticed by heaven. Does anyone remember John Mark (the author of the gospel of Mark [John was his Jewish name and Mark was his Roman name])? You see we first hear of him early in the book of Acts; Paul and Barnabas had been sent off on a missionary work and they had John Mark as their helper (Acts 13:5), but in the middle of the journey he had left them (Acts 13:13), and we were told he had bolted, deserted them in Perga Pamphylia, a dangerous area, a known hang outs for thieves and robbers (sure he had good reasons, he probably didn’t want to die yet J). When it was time for Paul and Barnabas to be sent off for another journey, he (John Mark) wanted to go with them, and Paul said NO (Acts 15:38). Paul and Barnabas had a sharp disagreement over this issue; and Barnabas went on his own journey taking Mark, whilst Paul took Silas and goes on another journey (Acts 15:38-40). But see what happens in Philemon: 24, many years had passed and here was Paul calling this same man a “fellow worker”. What happened? In 1 Pet. 5:13, Peter ends his greeting by calling Mark “my son” [don’t even get me started on Peter and the way he denied Jesus three times, his home buddy whom had taught him everything he knew, his friend and master – he too could have had reasons to see him self not good enough to be noticed by heaven – But we all know what became of him]. It was Peter who influenced Mark in writing his gospel and later Luke and Matthew both looked to Mark to get information for their gospels as well. And by the end of Paul’s life, he says of Mark in 2Tim. 4:11: “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is helpful to me in my ministry”. Wow, isn’t that something. This same man he had quarreled with Barnabas over. Isn’t that a legacy to show what God does with failures, Giver uppers and quitters. There is still hope for you yet. I was tempted, I was tried and often failing, but You Lord, You are my strength and my victory!!

Eternity will run for ever my dear friends, and can never be compared to all the years on this earth. And therefore whatever you run after here on earth will undoubtedly one day be destroyed, but be sure that your godly legacy built in heaven, will never be destroyed. For indeed our Salvation, Jesus our Lord and Saviour, Master builder, famous Physician; our walk with Him is by far the greatest legacy we can ever leave behind - So that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life – Titus 3:7.

And how are we sure of this? Ephesians 1:11-14 “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory”

So what if I am the most sought after scientist in the entire world, and heaven doesn’t notice me? God forbid!! you can keep it. No thanks J. The only one that matters is the one that God recognizes. Ecclesiastes 2:26 - To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

So dear friends, what would heaven record you as? The choice is left to you.

I see Men as Solid Trees

Nnedinanma, walked briskly as if she were in a hurry, could it be an emergency of some sorts. She raced quickly to the other section of the house as she tried to make sure “Papa” was awake. He’s fine, in fine mood, and cheery too. Not so for Nkemdi. Since the rising of the sun he had been awake, meticulously trying to balance his accounts. But it was still not adding up. His outgoing was more than the incoming by a factor of two. And he was not due for a pay rise for the next fifteen months. How can we survive as a family for the next fifteen months especially since the school fees, mortgage and other expenses are mandatory – which explains the outgoing deficit! He could not see anyway out, and refused to borrow anymore. Exhausted with these thoughts, he slowly crept back into bed and continued to wonder what would become of his family.

Good morning dearest, you are awake said Nnedinanma, what would you have me make you for breakfast, your favourite? Nkemdi a little sullen replied, I’m not very hungry munchkins, don’t worry, I will be ready in a giffy to take the kids to school. Are they ready? I think so replied Nnedinanma, I’ll go check. It had barely gone past the hour when Nkemdi moved the car onto the drive way and the kids all jumped in and off they went.

Today, I telephoned my friend Nnedinanma, of ten years to see how she was, and how family life was treating her. Since it’s my day off I wanted to drop in on her before carrying on with my home chores. As I stopped by her house, I found her relaxing on a two by two settee, whilst watching desperate housewives. Her house was in an immaculate order, especially when children were supposed to live in the house, and it’s only 10am.

Dina I exclaimed, even the house cleaner I pay good money, is not able to have my house in such order and you are no better than I, spill! She replied saying, I have an aunt that has been living with me for the last seven months, who can not stand the sight of dust, and she has been helping with the kids, Papa, and even all the house chores. Cooking too? I asked, hmmm she replied, her food tastes better than mine. Then I said to her, what then do you do? Dina replied, I am a housewife, so the house is my domain. Dina I replied, for the last seven months you have been doing nothing since your aunt came, wouldn’t you consider getting a Job, especially when I know I will hire you in a matter of seconds. You’ve always been the best statistician I have ever had the pleasure to work with, and I wouldn’t mind having you in my group. She replied saying, it is the role of my Husband to provide for my family and for me to be provided for. I asked her, so how long will your aunt be staying? She replied saying, since she’s Papa’s only sister, she wants to be around to make sure Papa is taken good care of. But Papa now lives with you I interrupted. Exactly, she said. So you mean, yes, indefinitely.

I spent the next couple of hours talking and laughing with my good friend Dinanma, and didn’t realize how time flew. It was now 3.30pm and Nkemdi drove in with the kids, greeted us, and continued on his way back to work. I looked at her again and said to her do you really mean to tell me Nkemdi brings the kids back too? The house is my domain she replied. On realizing how late it had gotten, I decided to take my leave and promised to visit her again before the year runs out. But I couldn’t help but ask her one more question. So if you are in charge of the home, what happens to the financial responsibilities? She replied, Nkemdi is the provider, and he is in charge of making everything balance.

On leaving the house I couldn’t help but wonder on the role we as wives have to play in helping our husbands, and if Dinanma was fair in her attitude towards the distribution of roles.

In the story, we see a family in a temporary financial mess (which if not dispelled could lead to even greater problems). And all it needs is a “fifteen months bridge” to help get them out of the small mess. Currently Dinanma is free and wouldn’t find it difficult to find a job, but is not interested because of the way she views her husband’s responsibilities. He is not complaining, he just needs some help until he is able to sort out the mess. After all if aunt wasn’t around, Dinanma would still have been busy with her chores. But that is not the issue. If he had told her of the current status, would she want to help, since she is of the view that it is “his responsibility to provide for her” By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures – Proverbs 24:3-4; The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down – Proverbs 14:1; Genesis 2:20b, But for Adam no suitable helper was found.

How suitable is she to the needs of her husband and to her family. How flexible is she, and is she willing to compromise? What sort of help does that make her? What is your perception of the role of your husband, and is he therefore responsible for falling short in difficult times.

What Lies Underneath

It’s the first time this week the burrow seemed clear. A fine day I’m sure filled with so much possibilities, said Mr. Mouse, as he tried to take a peek out of his hole onto the distance. He needed no further convincing, and decided the time to step out and go yonder was now, and the day no longer to be wasted was today. As he struggled to walk on the snow covered undergrowth, deep inside the forest on a mountain peak, he couldn’t help but wonder if it may have been too soon to wonder out, for it had all of a sudden turned too cold, and his fur no longer as strong as it used to be against the wind. As he moved along, a van came alongside, swerving from one side of the path to the other albeit slowly in front of him. He observed, the two wheels on the left was completely eroded, and the two on the right had been replaced with the smaller emergency proxy – “I’m sure you’re only ever supposed to have one of these he thought”. The body covered in sooth, and out of the exhaust came black smoke. Immediately Mr. Mouse gave a hot chase, even he knew that he could outrun this van, for he thought to himself any moment now this van is heading for a disaster. As he came close to the driver’s side, he called out to the driver. The driver saw him acknowledged him, and made an attempt to stop the van. He had pressed on his breaks, which was unresponsive, but technically wasn’t needed; and he watched it roll to halt. They exchanged greeting, after which Mr. Mouse went on to ask him - “are you aware that your van is in a really bad way”? The driver replied, “I didn’t think it was that obvious”. Mr. Mouse continued, “I can be of help”.

The driver moved with the concern of Mr. Mouse, decided to oblige him. He set down his cargo, and they both started to work on the van. As they took the body parts off, they found that the base that should have acted as a shield had eroded away, and the main wafer type content insulator had been half eaten. “No, this will not do” exclaimed Mr. Mouse, “this will not do at all”.

The driver suggested an alternative, but it just was not enough. No no, Mr. Mouse insisted, it must be new. No, no, it must be clean. “I know a place” said Mr. Mouse. You need a complete rectangular base that is made of steel with winged edges - this will prevent any thing from penetrating in. I know too where to get four brand new wheels and a warm spring where we can get fresh water to wash out the dirt from the van including the cargo. This way whatever is left of the soft wafer part of the van could be protected from any further damage”. The driver excited at this followed Mr. Mouse and did as he suggested. His cargo washed of its dirt, was returned to him of greater worth than when he started; for it had become so clean and sparkled so.

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We awaken in the morning wearied and burdened so, but thinks as long as we stay away from people and hide our emotions, no one needs to know what is going on underneath. We think that because it is hidden deep within, it won’t affect the exterior part of us. *erm* wrong!! If everything is not ok, then it really isn’t ok and it’s time for us to find out how we can improve our lives.

We need to first admit to ourselves that we are broken. The outer appearance of the van was in a bad way, because the base had rotted with the worries of life and penetrated the heart. And we know the heart is vital for the maintance of the body. For many of us, our heart is almost on its last lap, and at any moment about to go belly up. But that’s because our shield that should be acting as our protection is not as strong as it should be. We have not bothered to build on it, and to make sure that nothing comes any where near it. And for those of us who have not tried Jesus, I beseech you to try HIM, and see if He is not more than able to shield you in times of trouble. There used to be a time when I battled with my emotion as I saw myself unworthy and therefore not fit to be forgiven or to be called His child. But instead of remaining in my sorry state, I kept being reminded that He has forgiven me all of my sins, and I have been immersed and washed in His blood. I believe that in itself is more than enough when life’s burden or worries tries to bring us to the point when it seems all hope is gone.

We have to be prepared to be open to take suggestions. The driver would have thought, *erm* what does this horrible looking stench living, not fit to be spoken to Mouse have to tell me, and would have missed an opportunity that would have brought a much needed change in his life. The bible tells us that it is a wicked man who puts up a bold front, but an upright man gives thought to his ways (Prov. 21:29). If in need and help is offered accept it. It also says in Prov. 20:18; 24:6 (Make plans by seeking advice…. for victory many advisers). Isaiah 9:6; Prov. 12:16; 9:9; 1:8 - listen to good advice.

I also find talking about the things that are eaten away in my heart brings me a much needed relief. So again we need to find a spirit filled person to encourage us along our life’s journey. Especially one who is accustomed to your way. For example, I have two prayer partners, my mum and my girl friend. Both of which are spirit filled and always ready with the word from the bible to encourage me. I also have my pastors and network of Christian friends who I know are on their knees day and night praying on my behalf. If you don’t have one or have yet to find one, I am more than happy to be of help. But know this that the Lord God Loves you and whatever you are going through is not just for you alone, but to be an encouragement to the people He is sending you to.

Be prepared to cast your load upon the waters. Like me for example when I want something so badly you’ll know cause am all up in your face and everything, and I find that when I try to force it to be mine, *erm* it just breaks apart. So I’ve learnt to just let it go and let God. If this thing is meant for me, it will come back to me better than I started out with. It’s like saying Lord I want YOU to give me this, not me forcing it to be mine. Like the denim jeans example, if you force yourself into it, it will rip to bits, but when you finally fit into it, you’ll won’t know how it all happened (I am speaking from experience, I fit into them all now :)).

So don’t suffer in silence, and you are not an island. Wherever you hide yourself God is more than able to find you and send help to you. He loves you too too much, this time is only the refinery stage, and you’ll see the end result sooner than you think. You are just Fabulous.

Dedicated to U

Did you ever think you would ever get this “blessed”? It’s been a long road to get to this point. During the journey, there was never a time I really believed I would see this day. I had all but given up, because even the light at the end of the tunnel, appeared too many a times as a mirage. And for so long, I had all but decided to walk in the darkness and forget that a day like this will ever come to pass. Then one day, just one day a change came. My change came. Our change came. Just like it did in the time of Joseph, how a prisoner, a foreigner, went from the prison gates to become ruler in the nation of Egypt, a country not his own; all in a space of day (Genesis 41:1-57). Such miracles still happen even now, and it did happen to us.

Today I watched my baby brother graduate from the School of Medicine. Today, I watched him sigh a sigh of relief. It finally happened didn’t it? Oh Yes it did. Today I continue to be amazed, and continue to be reminded that the difficult roads will not always remain the same. Because all it takes is one day. Just one day. Your change will come. My change will come. And I will continue to wait until my change comes.

Wonderful is your Name!!

All of my Life, I have never Known God to fail. That is indeed a FACT and the TRUTH. From the time I was very young and up until now, I have never known God to fail. I am here, alive, healthy and well aren’t I? The Joy of the Lord that supersedes all things is with me. And my cup continues to run over. He is faithful and more than anything His love is so unconditional. Wow, this awesome God how else can I describe you but to say How wonderful is your Name!!

Sometimes it is good to just praise and glorify Him irrespective of what He has done or not yet done for you. Because the knowledge that He is, is enough to deserve all our praise and thanksgiving. Sometimes it is good to tell God, how magnificent and good He is. His ability to be magnificent is not dependent on the number of prayers He has answered, but simply because He is.

I am in the office and just feel like breaking out into a dance. DEAR GOD!! You are indeed the Living God. How excellent is Your Name. DEAR God!! You are JUST too much. Words leave me but I have to tell you this Lord. I really enjoy just being with you and just writing Love letters to you. Because truly Lord I love you (please try and forget those times I shout at you lol - I don’t mean it sometimes, just that.. well Lord You understand lol). I have fallen short of my walk, and messed up Lord on countless times, yet Lord You have continued to be so wonderfully faithful to me.

Thank you Lord for ALL you’ve done for me… You are indeed the Lover of my soul. You are indeed beautiful beyond descriptions; you are the only one I adore. The world will disappoint me, But You God, You are closer than a brother. You dig and stay put. God You just don’t joke with me… wow Lord, who am I that You love me like “shegge”!! What shall I ever render unto You my wonderful Lord? You own the whole world, including all the cattle on a thousand Hills. But Lord since you Love Obedience over sacrifice, I choose to declare to the whole world today, that I choose to obey the word of the Lord in all facets of my life.

Dearest Lord, always nudge me when I go astray so that I don’t wonder too far away from Your wonderful embrace. Your Grace is more than enough for me. Thank you Lord for being all that to me.

None of these things MOVED me!!

NOTHING in life is that important to miss HEAVEN. And No one is that important to cause you to miss heaven, not even your friends - But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God– Acts 20:24.

Our natural eyes may remind us of the situation/s surrounding our life, that nothing is ever going to work out, or that it is as bad as it gets. But you need to get to a point in your life to say the words “and so, what difference does it really make”. Because any form of disappointment in your life cannot last for that long, because as long as the Lord lives your Joy will come, that is for certain (Psalm 30:5b). And no matter what, ALL things work together for your good to them (us) who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). I am not saying that the disappointments are from God, no, I am saying the disappointments helps you realise what you are made of. If you are made of strong metal, the storm cannot break you. Instead it makes you stronger. And if you are made of straw.. well lets pray that none of us is made of straw.

And the Lord honours His words more than His name. Remind Him of His words, because He cannot lie (Numbers 23:19). Do not forget His words. Regardless of what you are facing He says, His presence is with you and He will give you rest (Exodus 33:13-14). Your light will break forth like a dawn, wow I am so excited [have you noticed the way the dawn breaks? Think about it, then you J - Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard – Isaiah 58:8]

I don’t know about you, but I for one I have been redeemed by the Lord and the shout of Kings is with me (Psalm 107:2). Remember the eye of the Lord is upon they that fear Him (Psalm 33:18), and He will visit you, and when He comes He will make His goodness pass in front of you to see (Exodus 33:19 - Then He said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion”). None of these things moved me. Disappointments will not move me. We refuse to bow and let life’s problems derail us. Our look of helplessness will no longer betray our worth, because we know who we are. And because we bear the mark of the Lord, we will not be moved.

Our spiritual eyes has to look through the lens of faith and continue to remind our hearts that no matter how bad it seems, God is still able to do abundantly more than we can ever ask. However, our journey, on the road to heaven requires a great deal of cooperation from us. And only those who have made up their mind to follow Jesus regardless will make it to the finishing line. It is not going to be easy but believe me it is going to be worth it.

Dear Lord If I have found favour in your sight, go with me, forgive me my sins and take me as an inheritance. For I am even more resolved to follow His lead. Yes Dear Lord, lead the way, and I will follow.

Just for a moment more!!

“You cannot afford to give up now. You’ve come too far. Let’s keep walking; we are so close to the end I can just smell it”.

Peggy and her four friends after days of endless walking had found themselves in a farmland belonging to farmer Jed. It was spacious, comfortable and there stood in the middle this GREAT tree. It stood out when compared to the rest and had branches you could rest on. On seeing this, Melinda turned to the group and suggested they stopped in for the evening and maybe stay for the night. Then just maybe they would alight early the next day for their journey home. Peggy a little uncomfortable with the idea tried to encourage her and the rest of gang to continue, urging Melinda “You cannot afford to give up now. You’ve come too far. Let’s keep walking; we are so close to the end I can just smell it”.

It was as if her suggestion was falling on deaf ears as her friends were reluctant to carry on and didn’t find anything wrong in stopping in for a short while, even if it was for the night. Peggy remembering the many years the group had been friends for succumbed but insisted that before the clock struck 4am they must be on their way. For they did not know what manner of man the farm belonged to. At 3.30am the next morn, Peggy was already awake and tried to wake the rest up; Tisa and Clarisse were prepared to follow Peggy, but Melinda chose to sleep in for a little while longer, whilst Federica opted to follow Melinda in her lie in.

As Melinda and Federica lay snuggly under the shade of the beautiful tree, the rest of them began to set off. They had just barely left the position of the tree when they realised that farmer Jed and the rest of his workforce were awake and busy working on the farm; and saw that every intruder farmer Jed’s crew came into contact with they shot at for trespassing. Peggy on seeing this feared for their life. And as they turned aside they found that they were standing close to a moving mower cart and made haste to follow the cart. They were able to follow it unnoticed by farmer Jed and his group and were just able to make it out of the farm land alive.

As they got off the farm, they wondered what would become of their friends, and Tisa and Clarisse praised God for listening to good instructions.

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You can’t help but wonder how close to our breakthroughs we are even when it appears the end is still so far away. Sometimes we get distracted and sidelined, which sometimes causes one to try to settle for less than what God has for them. And in most cases a wasted life. Don’t be deceived, don’t be shortchanged, don’t let the enemy steal what rightfully belongs to you (The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full – John 10:10). Don’t be unaware of his schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11), and don’t give up. Don’t let your body cause you to sin or prevent you from entering into your rest because of disobedience or LAZYNESS (Hebrews 4:11 - Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience). The word of God reminded us to pray until our Joy is full (John 16:24). Until what He has promised manifests in our lives we should give Him no rest until He has done what He promised (Isaiah 62:7). Saints keep praying.

And what He tells us to do we should do (John 2:5b; Hebrews 12:25). Seek His counsel early, because storms will come, but Jesus has already overcome it all (John 16:33). Seek Godly counsel and let Him guide you to a successful finish (Isaiah 28:26 - His God instructs him and teaches him the right way; Proverbs 20:18; 24:6 - Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance; for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers; Proverbs 12:16; 9:9; 1:8). As ungodly counsel will only wear you out (Isaiah 47:13)

“We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead” – 2 Corinthians 1:8b-9.

Keep trusting God and He will see you through. But remember faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Keep persevering and He will grant your labours with success. You are not labouring in vain (Hebrews 6:10). You have not come to the mountain of the Lord to gloom and darkness (Hebrews 12: 18-24). No, you have come to the Living God, who is more than dependable.

It is closer than you think!! Don’t let you story be like that of Melissa and Federica. Let your testimony be like that of Peggy and friends.