What is your Story?

      Beloved, everyone has a story to tell. The Bible tells us that we are chosen by God to declare the goodness of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9.   This means that God has chosen you to share your story, the story that will proclaim His glory for all to hear.  I read somewhere that our story might just be the prescription or medication for the addict who is looking for hope of freedom, for a light at the end of the tunnel.  It might be for the lonely sister who need hope of love, the regretful individual seeking hope of a new beginning or the youth who needs hope that God's power is available to hold him or her in purity.    Whatever your story reveals, do not give up, do not back up or shut up,  but speak up because it needs to be heard.  

 Do not let the enemy of your progress i.e satan shut you up, it is not until you have gone to prison, being a drug addict, prostitute or alcoholic before you know you have a story to tell.  Many people have never experienced or being any of the above stated but they have had their own struggles and challenges in life that gives them a reason to speak up and testify.   No matter what you have gone through in this life,  know  that as a believer, Christ has put His Spirit in each of us which therefore gives us  the ability to share with the world His immeasurable love and His plans for those who love Him and want to serve Him.

    The Lord has deposited in each of us gifts, (spiritual) gifts that will bless and impact the lives of others for the kingdom.  These gifts are to be used to serve Him in different capacities in the body of Christ.  It is to be used to change the lives of others  for example, setting those in bondage free.  When you tell your story utilizing the gifts God has deposited in you,  He is using you to deliver somebody from the stronghold of addictions ( sex, drugs, alcohol, food etc.)  and not only is the person able to see that you understand what they are going through because you have been where they have been or have gone through similar challenges, but God has also given you a supernatural gift of healing and deliverance to change their lives. 

Saints do not let the enemy deceive you into thinking your story is not good enough to speak up and empower because it is a big lie from the pit of hell.  Your story or testimony will surely change a life for Christ, it will make a difference in the life of a person, a family and a community.

 Shalom. 

Using Our Time Wisely

Time is a very critical issue for the present day woman. Many things compete for her time both at home and outside. Many women are so overworked at home that they have little or no time to relate with and affect other people outside and in the church. Others neglect the home and concentrate on their ministry, job or relationships outside.

Yet God's plan is for us to walk with God and serve His purpose effectively both at home and outside, beginning from the home ( Proverbs 14:1, Genesis 1:27-28.

The issue of handling our time effectively then becomes a very crucial issue to consider so that the right thing will be done at the right time and the time God gives us to live on earth will not be wasted.

" To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

And they shall lay thee even with the ground and thy children within thee; and they shalt not leave in thee one stone upon another, because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.” Luke 19:44

"So teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Ps 90:12

We therefore need to look up to God in this study for wisdom to do the right thing at the right time and the right purpose, wisdom to use our time here on earth effectively. We have only 24 hours in a day. May God grant you into this matter so you will not face eternity empty handed.

 Definition and Concept of time

Time can be defined as:

1.  A system created by God for reckoning the passing moments.

It is measured in units called seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years.  Gen 1:14, Col 1:16,  Ps 90:10, 12.

2.  It is the interval or period or season at which things happen.  E.g  the gestation ( pregnancy) period of a woman is normally 9 months.  Certain things are purposed by God to happen within a certain period of time.  If it happens outside that time it becomes abnormal. (i.e pregnancy)  Jn 7: 1-8, Jn: 12:35-36, Jn 9:4, 1 Cor 13:11, Heb 4:6-8, Heb 5:11-14.

3).  Time can also defined as a point or a moment at which something normally regularly happens.  

It may or many not be pre-arranged.

Eccl 3:2, Mk 1:15, 35; Matt 21:33-34, Acts 2:1-4

For example,  Works begin at  8am. 

4).  Time is also a measured period of time allocated for a work to be completed or something to be achieved.    John 9, 4; 11: 9-10, Luke  16: 25; 2 Cor 5: 10; Neh 2: 6, 6: 15;  Acts 13:36, Prov 22:6

5).  Time can also be defined as an opportunity that you have to do a thing.  Luke 19:42-44, John 9:1-4; Acts 1:15-20.

6.   Most opportunities come but once in life time;

Every woman is given a chance and a time to be born, to live, to serve God and fulfill His purpose in her own generation, for which she will give account to God.  

Sisters, what are you doing with your own time and seasons?  

- Excerpts from What Makes a Woman Spiritual
by Gbile Akanni

This is a great bible study resource for every women, group and ministry. 

Loving One Another

Scripture Text:  I John 3:11-23

For me, this particular passage in scripture to me places much emphasis on the importance of the brethren loving one another than anywhere I have read in scripture. The enemy is waging war against the body of Christ and he knows that if he turns brother against brother and sister against sister, there will be chaos in the church and the lives of many believers will be in jeopardy of hell fire due to hatred and bitterness. In verse 12, it mentioned briefly the story we all know, Cain and Abel, how Cain hated his own blood brother so much because he saw how favored he was and as a result of envy, he killed his brother. It is not until we pick up a gun or knife to kill another, before we call it murder, our thoughts and words alone can kill our sister or brother in our hearts. 1 John 3: 15 "Anyone who hates another brother or sister[c] is really a murderer at heart. And you know that murderers don’t have eternal life within them."

Beloved, as we approach the end of the year 2016, let us strive to love one another, forgive those who have hurt you in anyway, do not give the enemy an entry way into your heart through bitterness, unforgiveness and hatred. Show compassion at all times, learn to do good to all men regardless of what they think or feel about you. Let your action reflect genuine love for others, both believers and the unbelievers. Of course, showing compassion should not be only during the holiday season  because unbelievers also do good during this time of the year, and so what should set us apart from the rest of the world should be a lifestyle of giving and showing compassion throughout the year. In season and out of season, our lives must reflect that of a true believer, one who follows the Lord God Almighty, who is also the God of Love. Remember this day, how Christ Jesus gave up his life for us. This is the epitome of pure unconditional love for His children.

Beloved, if you are in the position to show love to a sister through giving of your time, resources etc, please do so with all your heart and you will see how you will get God's full attention when you do so. See 1 John 3:17-18

May the New Year bring you and your household much joy, laughter and peace in Christ's name.

Happy New Year beloved

SHALOM.