FREE FRIDAY MUSIC REVUE: MORALITY TO YOU, JUSTICE TO ME

Cathy Burton:www.christianbits.com

I don’t remember who said it but I saw this quote online recently: “…morality to me, justice to you” (Hope I’m quoting it right). We can go ahead and expand, deduce, explain and interpret that quote in different ways but one thing we should consider is this- deal with people how you want them to deal with you. Don’t deal out a certain measure and expect another. The Bible tells us that we will be judged with the same measure that we judge people. Perhaps this should make us stop and think about how we treat one another. I have always found it interesting how people who are nasty towards others expect the same people to be nice to them. I believe that Jesus has called us to treating people right regardless of how they treat us but we still should learn to sow the right seeds.

Recently, I particularly have found that I need to relate with people with more grace, mercy and kindness because no matter how tough people are, everyone needs compassion. That is the opening line of Cathy Burton’s Mighty to Save. I have also heard a version by Don Moen but the message is pretty much the same- everyone needs compassion.

Since we’ve been considering the issue of fellowship among brethren this week, I thought this song drives the message home right from the very first line. People have been known to leave a church, a group and even the Christian faith because some other people were mean to them. Perhaps their reasoning sounds childish to you but not everybody has the tough skin that relating with pretty abrasive people require.

You may have met folks like that. In Scott Webb’s language, “they just seem to always rub you on the wrong side”. It is true that there are people who pick offences at the slightest misunderstanding but we still have to relate with one another with compassion. I am not certain that I will ever be confident enough to preach a message on love but I can say a few things about showing understanding and just cutting people some slack. Meanwhile, If you are the abrasive person, you are inexcusable. Think about how you’ll feel to know that someone left your church because of how you treated them.

Another way this song speaks to me is through the chorus; regardless of the category you fall into-the abrasive- frumpy- grumpy- Christian or the one who feels wronged, God is able to save you; to give you grace to be gracious and grace or to take it all in stride, depending on which group you are in.

Let’s not forget the reason for our coming together in fellowship: to affirm one another, to bless one another and to correct one another in love. It is as simple as ABC.

So before I turn a Friday post into a Monday post with the long speech, here is me saying enjoy the song (it is pretty popular), think on it, act on it.

Have a great weekend.

MIGHTY TO SAVE –CATHY BURTON

Everyone needs compassion,

A love that’s never ending

Let mercy fall on me

Every needs forgiveness

The kindness of a saviour

The hope of nations

Chorus:

Saviour, He can move the mountains

My God is mighty to save.

He is mighty to save.

Forever, author of salvation;

He rose and conquered the grave.

Jesus conquered the grave.

So take me as you find me;

All my fears and failures

Fill my life again.

I give my life to follow;

Everything I believe in,

Now I surrender.

Chorus:

Saviour, He can move the mountains

My God is mighty to save

He is mighty to save

Forever, author of salvation

He rose and conquered the grave

Jesus conquered the grave

Shout it loud and let the whole world sing

For the glory of the risen king

WEDNESDAY WEEKLY ROUNDS: A REMINDER ON COMMUNITY

The rounds today show how events such as funerals and birthdays are ‘life alarms’. Contrary to what some may have deduced from the Monday post, fellowship is not restricted to our ‘church people’. Relationships include everyday people, parents, spouses, children, siblings, colleagues, neighbours- all the beautiful people in our lives that routine and daily familiarity make us forget.

Sometimes, sudden deaths give us the jolt we need to take a breather and take present relationships more seriously. James instructs us to exhort ourselves while it is called today.

Matt Kaufmant says:

I wasn't a child when my dad died, but I was 19. A couple hours earlier, he drove me to a college class. I got a ride home and found he'd collapsed from a cerebral hemorrhage. He never woke up. There was no warning: At age 58, he was gone…

 When you're young, you don't really think that something like this might happen to your parents for a long time. You know it's possible, but it seems so remote. You have plenty of time.

Except maybe you don't.

Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit — yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." (James 4:13-15)

Birthdays are reminders for us to live life-as it should be.

Trevin Wax turned 32 and he has this to say:

June is birthday month for our family. Timothy turns 9 tomorrow. Julia turned 5 eleven days ago. And we’re expecting a new arrival any time now (our son, David), which means next year won’t be any less busy.

There are two times a year when the calendar tells you to stop and take a good look at your life, to think about where you are and where you are going: New Year’s and your birthday. The annual rhythm is a reminder to number your days (Psalm 90), to enjoy the moments you have with those you love, and to give yourself to the mission and work God has called you to…

I am so thankful for Corina and the kids, the people I worship with at church, the people I serve with in all the different activities I get to be involved in, and the people I work with every day on The Gospel Project…

I shouldn’t have to wait until my birthday to do that. Neither should you. So, do it today.

Jeff Nickels reminded me of how often our intended priorities (Jesus, Family, Fellowship) and reality priorities (Television, Career, other stuff…) often clash:

In his book Start, Jon Acuff calls what we value most in life our diamonds.  They are the gems we hold most precious. Our diamonds are the things we spend the most time thinking about and engaging with.

If I were asked (outside of church) what I value most, I’d probably say my diamonds are my marriage, my children and my health.

These are pretty noble answers.  Hardly anyone is going to criticize me for replying in this way.

However, I’ve realized that I’ve been more than a little off base.

Some Things that We Mistakenly Over-Value

When I objectively assess my life, some inconsistencies come to light.

Honestly, I spend the majority of my time on things other than my marriage, children and health…

When I objectively assess my life, some inconsistencies come to light.

So, where have I gone wrong?

The authors of the book Sway, teach that we are often easily misled in how we assign value.

Our culture, the media and even our peers have more influence on us that we like to think.

Therefore, we easily get swayed into assigning lots of value to things like:

·         Comfort

·         Material Possessions

·         Job Performance

·         Social Status

·         Sports & Hobbies

·         Titles

·         Appearances

·         Sex

·         Money

Sometimes subtly, these become the diamonds in our lives without us even noticing and while there is nothing inherently wrong with any of these, when we over-value them, they become idols.

In other news, Tim Challies has this to say about self-delusion. My pastor used the term ‘delusion of grandeur once and I have loved that phrase! Here goes Challies:

            But he hasn’t got anything on!” This is the cry of the child at the end of Hans Christian Anderson’s little tale The Emperor’s New Clothes. The vain emperor believed he was wearing the finest garments ever created, garments woven of the finest silk and the purest gold thread. He believed he was wearing clothing so beautiful that only the best and brightest in the land could see it...

The emperor had been bamboozled, but he would not admit his ignorance, he could not admit it, and instead forced himself to believe he was wearing clothes; his noblemen did the same, for to state the plain truth would be to admit unworthiness.

The Emperor shivered, for he suspected they were right. But he thought, “This procession has got to go on.” So he walked more proudly than ever, as his noblemen held high the train that wasn’t there at all.

There you have stuff I have been reading this week. Hope they bless you as they did me!

What have you read online recently that you think you should share?

Miss August.

PS: I do not endorse or claim to know all the theological, doctrinal and spiritual values of the posts and authors referred to. I have only presented clips of stuff I found to be edifying. Be a Berean, check and recheck.

WE ARE ALL SPIRITUAL LEGOS

Building faith walkers: from www.1finecookie.com

In 2012, my church held the first community cell meeting in my area of residence. It was titled ‘back to basics’. I remember the advert in the church weekly bulletin had pictures of legos. Now, when I think of community and fellowship- especially among professing Christians, I think of a lego. Not because of that advert but because when you really think about it, a lego is an ideal symbol of why we need community.
Lots of research prove to us that socialising with others is a primal instinct.  We naturally gravitate towards people- especially people with whom we share similar attributes. I was initially going to state the previous line as ‘…similar (positive) attributes, but community is not restricted to ‘good people’ only. Infact, the heavy need for fellowship and relationships among humans is further explained by the fact that even the ‘tough, I-don’t-care’ teenagers have their own hood. Here in Nigeria, almost every profession- from medical science to carpentry, commercial barbeque (locally called suya) and plumbing- has an association. They also have local meetings in the smallest units possible. All over the world, drug dealers and users have gangs and even commercial sex workers have friends within their industry. It is innate for human beings to seek to connect with someone else on a level that is deeper than the shallow ‘hi-hi’ that pervades modern day relationships with neighbours and co-workers.

BARNABAS THE ENCOURAGER.
Yesterday, out of the blues, my little sister said to me, “have you discovered your own purpose?” That unexpected question led us into a discussion about vision and purpose. She confided that while she was yet to discover hers (she’s waiting for God to give her one that has a verse of scripture to back it up J), one of her friend has found hers: to encourage people. I was somewhat surprised but I just said “it is ok.”
Now that I think about it, it is not just ok, it is wonderful! What is more wonderful is that my sister’s friend is not the only one who has been called to that purpose, we all have been. Hebrews 3:13 tells us to “exhort one another every day, as long as it is called today”.
In relating with people, we learn to look beyond the smiles to what is really going on with them. The bottom-line is people are hurting. Really bad. In ways we can’t even imagine. When they take off the mask, you would be surprised with what you find. Sometimes, a good word will help to lift their spirits without your knowing it.
Although familiarity and routine may make us forget the true purpose of fellowshipping together but standing on the balcony will help us remember. It is as simple as ABC: affirm, bless and correct (in love). I will talk more about the ABC of Christian community in the next post.
In all, we ought to encourage one another; to not give up. To keep the faith in our Lord Jesus. To hold on to God’s promises of respite and salvation. This is not only as regards our relationship with Jesus but it also cuts across all areas of life. The ‘well nourished’ lady who is trying to lose some weight needs to be affirmed; “her formerly non-existent waist is meekly emerging- great job!” The unemployed man who is trying to get a job and provide for his family needs to be encouraged not gossiped about and put down. The matured single lady who is hoping to get married needs to be affirmed and encouraged; she is beautiful and God is blessing her career.
A good dose of sincere encouragement can’t hurt anyone. People need to be affirmed. There are some people who make a conscious effort to reach out with words of grace to people around them. Barnabas was one of such people- and he even got his mention in the Bible for that attitude. They called him Barnabas the encourager.
WHY PEOPLE AVOID CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
Gossip. Betrayal. Hurtful criticisms. Unkind words. Put downs. These are things you sometimes find within Christian community and fellowships. A friend and I were discussing about ‘bad girls’ we knew in college. After swapping our repertoire of their loose living and all the ungodly things we could remember about them (forget that we were gossiping), we still had this to say “those girls had good hearts. They were friendlier, warmer and more forgiving. My friend told me “they let go of things more than you and I”. Unfortunately, she was right. Someone said that “one of the great tragedies of our time is that there are so few kind people around”. 
I have come to take it for granted that in relating with people, we get hurt. The average adult knows that. But in relating with professing Christians, we have higher expectations. That is why it hurts more. We often expect that we are dealing with people who are dealing with Christ, the best friend any one can have so we expect his siblings not to hurt us. I digress a little but it always amazes me how Jesus is the friend of millions and yet is able to custom-fit His friendship with you and I such that we think He is our friend only. We share Him with no one else. How does He do that?
A post on sermonnotebook.com includes this: “there are plenty of mean-spirited, hateful people, but there are very few who just take the time to be kind as a lifestyle.  Yet, I believe that this is how every child of God ought to be, Eph. 4:32; Eph. 4:2; 1 Cor. 16:14!  Let’s be honest, many people are opinionated, self-centred, rude and sometimes, just plain mean in our dealings with others.  This ought not to be, especially among saved people!  I believe that the Lord would have us to practice a ministry of encouragement as we pass through this world”.

YET WE DO NOT LOOSE HEART…

Do we get out of fellowship because we’ve been hurt? Emphatic NO! Quoting Margaret Feinberg’s Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Nearness of God, a recent post on christianitytoday.com states that “the temptation to live a guarded life allures everyone, but walls constructed for protection ultimately lead to isolation. When we develop healthy boundaries and a sustainable rhythm in life, we have more—not less—time for deep, meaningful relationships.

Receiving the life God has for you requires vulnerability. God wants you to build a life without walls—one in which he is your protection—allowing you to live with arms wide open, where you can know and be fully known. Such a place doesn't exist without moments of hurt, rejection, and misunderstanding, but in this posture, you lay hold of the wonder of friendship God intended all along”.

She pretty much said it all. We stay in community-even if we have been bruised. Or perhaps, especially if we have been bruised. Since we know from experience what can hurt and how bad it does, we are better equipped to serve and nurture members of the community in which we find ourselves. I remember this from an experience in college. After two years of getting some not so nice treatment from people in my fellowship; I became sensitive to the needs of others, especially the jambites and DE students- the folks Americans call freshmen and sophomores. Thankfully, I was of service to some of them and I am eternally grateful for that opportunity. Some of them think it means I’m a great guy but it only meant that Jesus took nasty stuff and made it nice.

Let’s not abandon the community of fellow believers. Those ‘nasty’ people are also seeking to grow in faith you know (I hope). Let us encourage one another. Affirm one another. In church and out of church. It is as simple as ABC- affirm, bless, correct (in love). Let’s build up one another; after all, we are all spiritual legos.

Cheers.

Miss August.

DEAR JESUS, HOW ARE YOU DOING? AND PLEASE DON’T SAY FINE!

My Dearest,

How are you doing? For some unexplainable reason, today I am having some thoughts I have probably never had - if I did have them, they never gripped my consciousness enough to leave an imprint. These thoughts are about one person- You. Perhaps I have been er…selfish and never considered it. Regardless of the excuse, it is shocking to even me that I have never really asked you how you are doing- I mean really doing. How in the heavens do You cope with all the rottenness going on in this world? It just occurred to me that out of the millions of words I have uttered to You in this lifetime (some of them, incredibly unwise), I have never really asked You the same question I ask tens of people every day: How are you doing?

On my side of the universe, we ask this question every day and almost everybody is robotic in their answers: “fine”. The really courteous ones will say “fine, thank you. And you?” While it is sad that I answer such questions absentmindedly, it is probably sadder that I ask such questions absentmindedly. Don’t get me wrong- I am not saying that people should answer that question with all the details of what’s going on in their lives. I mean, who really wants to hear the response to that question from the people they ask? I may consider him a creep, the odd human being who consistently gives me all the details of how he is really doing. And I would probably stop asking after a while. So why do I ask anyway?

Well, this letter is not about a motion to scrap ‘how are you?’ from daily human relations. No. Some of us would have nothing else to say to the neighbours with whom we are mutual strangers so let’s thank You for that greeting.

I have been thinking recently about the spate of events in the world I live in today and the thought that really grabbed me is this: “Just how are You holding up under all this pressure?”  If some of the guys over there are wondering what I am talking about, it must be that the world is just dandily glorious at their end: Do you have no CNN or Fox News to constantly beat you up with bad news? Do you have no Punch Newspaper on the streets of gold or Channels Television to feed you unhealthy doses of the appalling activities of Boko Haram. My…My, your world is so cute, I am jealous and I can’t wait to come over. Wait-did I say that? Just kidding…I want to come over, but maybe not just yet. My family will be extremely upset and You really don’t want to deal with my parents this way. Right? Thank You. You may send your Son over though-when we are all good and ready. Now I have digressed. So I was asking if You all over there get the daily reports of events in the world. You mean you got no street muggers, robbers, assassins, rapists, drunk drivers…I have a dreadful list going on here already. You mean You don’t have all those people over there? I know you don’t.

Unfortunately, I don’t live within the pearly gates-yet. I live here in Lagos, Nigeria, and I am ‘sweet-sourly’ connected to the internet which I must tell you makes me a voting member of the global village, and thus entitled to constant updates on all the soul saddening activities of fellow ‘humans’ around the world.  From Julian Stevnson who slit the throats of his own two children in France because he had custody issues with his ex-wife, to the lady in America who stole her own father’s power of attorney so she could eject him from his own house, to whatever else they are doing to destroy humanity in Syria or Timbuktu. I get the news every day.

Merely having to write and rehash the evil shortcomings of my Homo sapiens tribe is depressing. So I am wondering how You, who created the entire universe and everything in it feel when You watch us do everything possible to tear the world down. In the most simplistic form, it is like sweating for endless hours to clean up your room only for an annoying little brother to come over and tear it down. With the calibre of articles on YahooNews these days, I won’t be surprised to find that there is a dude somewhere who actually shot his 6 year old little brother to death for doing that…I am becoming very cynical. I know.

But this is not about me, it really is about you. How are You doing? Really. And don’t say fine. I get enough of that from your wayward kids down here. I can imagine that your heart break with every precious little baby we put to untimely death- but maybe You are the only one who thinks they are babies. They are only foetuses you know. That’s what the pro-choicers tell us.

I can imagine that you grieved with Julian Stevenson’s ex-wife. I can imagine that it breaks your heart when we do everything we can to prove the point that you are only a figment of our imagination, an opium of the masses- You don’t really exist you know-forget the fact that I’m writing to you. I can only guess what’s on your mind when we break every commandment you laid. I wonder how You cope when news of child abuse within the church profanes the name of Your Son and most importantly, I wonder what goes on Your mind when you consider how desperately your children and followers decide to be politically correct at the expense of what they truly believe-I’m sure You know it is now socially impolite to proselytise even though atheists tell us our reluctance to attempt to convert them makes them respect us less. How about when Christians decide to treat other Christians as enemies on the platform of denomination and doctrine? I can go on and on but I don’t have the strength plus this would only probably depress you anyway. Speaking of which, do You get depressed or overwhelmed when you look down and see our despicable lifestyle? I suppose You don’t- but it must be just sad to be at the receiving end.

I am also wondering, why don’t you say something? Do something! Show us all who the boss is! I guess its just not your way. I guess I will always have questions too-till I see your face at least when everything would make perfect sense.

Between You and I, it gets really consuming sometimes and all I can do is wonder and rest in the thought and assurance that regardless of what happens- You have it all covered-after all, You are the One who makes it rain where nobody lives. How cool is that! No matter what happens, you are there and in You we have hope.

We hope to see You soon. Everyone and everything is groaning for You to come and fix it down here. Some of us are even beginning to doubt that You will come and make it good. You will come, won’t You?

I’m sorry if I have undermined your Person and Power in this letter. Forgive me. I was only wondering: Dear Jesus, How in the heavens are You doing? And You can say fine. I know you are.

xx

You know who.

PS: I published this post earlier but the font was terribly unreadable. Here you have it- user friendly I hope. 

FREE FRIDAY MUSIC REVUE: SINCE YOU WAKE UP WITH A SONG ON YOUR HEART…

There is a song on your heart every morning: www.musiccoaches.com

Many years ago, Wale Adenuga, a music minister in my church at the time drew our attention to the fact that many times, we wake up with a song on our minds. Prior to the time, I was hardly aware of the fact but once I became conscious of it, I actually began to play a game of ‘ what’s today’s wake up song’. Over time, I have found that the daily wake-up songs of our hearts tell a lot about our spiritual state and the type of content we have been feeding our minds. So I definitely pay attention to the songs I listen to-better Don Moen than Don Jazzy, better BeBe Winans than Beyonce

I have found that music matters-a lot. Sometimes, you have no words to convey your thoughts in the place of prayer or worship but a song just might help. Countless times, songs have actually helped me navigate certain seasons of life such that those songs later automatically trigger memories associated with that season of life.

I really cannot capture with words the impact this particular song (I will Rise by Chris Tomlin) has made in my life. I continue to replay the very first time I understood the lyrics and it was extremely comforting. You know- like an assurance that definitely and certainly, Jesus will return and regardless of which comes first (between death and rapture), I will rise in glory.
I can do a line by line review and every single line will make sense- like where my faith will be my eyes. The song leans heavily on scripture and almost every line calls to mind one Bible verse or the other.
This is what I call Gospel music-or Christian music if you like. God bless Chris Tomlin.

PS: I hope I can keep it up every Friday, but look out on this site for good Christian Music lyrics here. But in addition to the lyrics, try to learn the songs-they were meant to be sung you know.

Blessings,

Miss August.

I WILL RISE – CHRIS TOMLIN

There is a peace I’ve come to know

Though my heart and flesh may fail

There is an anchor for my soul;

 I can say- it is well

Jesus has overcome,

And the grave is overwhelmed;

Victory is won; He is risen from the dead

Chorus:

And I will rise when He calls my name

No more sorrow; No more pain

I will rise on eagles’ wings, 
Before my God, fall on my knees

And rise; I will rise

There’s a day that’s drawing near

When this darkness breaks to light

And the shadows disappear

And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome,

And the grave is overwhelmed;

Victory is won; He is risen from the dead

Chorus:

And I will rise when He calls my name

No more sorrow, no more pain

I will rise on eagles’ wings, 
Before my God, fall on my knees

And rise; I will rise

I hear the voice of many angels sing

Worthy is the lamb

And I hear the cry of every longing heart

Worthy is the lamb

I hear the voice of many angels sing

Worthy is the lamb

And I hear the cry of every longing heart

Worthy is the lamb

Worthy is the lamb.

THE BALCONY PERSPECTIVE: HOW TO REMAIN FOCUSED IN LIFE, FAITH AND FAMILY.

Keeping the big picture in focus:www.facebook.com

Ron Heifetz, one-time director of the Leadership Education Project at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, declares that the best leaders sustain a “balcony perspective” when leading. They find ways to hold the big picture out in front, without getting stuck in the daily messes of school life. I think that this piece of advice may also be applied to general daily living as well. For one, I think the whole picture is usually more beautiful and meaningful than individual segments/ parts of the same picture.

At my place of work, we have just completed a major special project of international standards that was extremely tasking, challenging, exciting and rewarding. Months of seemingly endless work went into it and we were all quite satisfied with the result of our labour. Surprisingly, now that the euphoria is over and the adrenaline has worn out, our regular work seems routine to me. I am here thinking: ‘why are we even doing this?’ but continuing in this pattern of thinking makes it easy for me to forget the ‘big picture’.  We have three different programmes that are like that but they are not our primary reason for existence as an organisation.

Life is full of special, exciting moments but it is also full of routine. Sometimes, the routine becomes overwhelming to the point that it sucks zest out of us. We all need a breather from time to time.

As we go through the hum-drum of daily living; in routine and ‘dead-end’ tasks, it is pretty easy to lose sight of the big picture. As a mother struggles with growing her career, feeding her family nutritious meals, doing the laundry, keeping the home tidy and attractive, keeping fit and desirable for herself and her husband, it is quite possible to forget exactly why those are necessary tasks- to nurture healthy, balanced children/family that can enjoy life together, be of benefit to one another, the immediate community and most importantly, obedient and useful to God.

As the father who continues to do without some fancy things your colleagues at work have all because you want to raise the expensive cost of quality education for your children, it is very important to keep the big picture in view. Else, it could become easily burdensome. Till date, I am always in awe and gratitude to my parents for the sacrifices they made to give my siblings and I the best they could afford. Note that I said "the best they could afford", not the best they could conveniently afford. There is a world of difference. Perhaps, they also tried to put the balcony view in perspective when they needed to.

As we go through the ‘routine’ of our daily Christian life- going to church, group fellowship, holding daily quiet times, giving offering in church and to other people, witnessing, participating in worship and many other things that comes with the turf, it is pretty easy for us to forget exactly why we are involved in those things- we want to keep in the faith and love of our Friend and Saviour. We also want Him to meet us doing exactly that.

Sometimes, joining and remaining in community (even Christian ones) is just downright difficult and hurtful. An important anchor for us will be to keep the balcony view in mind. It may not assuage the pain but it helps to remind us why we are involved in what we are involved in. The good side to this is that if our primary reason for starting out on the path is important to us, keeping the balcony view will help motivate us from time to time.

I also know that keeping the whole picture in view helps us to know when we have begun to derail and drift away from our primary purpose. This way, we can quickly get our acts together before much damage is done.

It is possible for a wonderful friend’s ‘annoying’ quirks to make us forget all the other reasons  we chose that person as a friend. And although I am not married, I’m guessing that focusing on the  irritating habits of a spouse can make one lose out on enjoying all the other reasons we earlier thought that person was a perfect mate. This way, keeping the bigger picture helps us relate in love and perhaps, mercy with the people in our lives.

When on a weight loss program, and your meal portions are reduced and you have to say no to certain desserts, it will help to look at the bigger picture of a healthier body than the immediate deprivation of pleasure. When we repeatedly say no to sex outside marriage, riotous tempers, financial corruption at work and other individual sins, it is important for us to keep the bigger picture of presenting ourselves as a spotless church to Christ. This way, we become cautioned of giving in to the ‘smaller’ sins.

It is easy for me to lose sight of the fact that when the page views ratings on this blog goes up, like it has been recently, my joy should be that (hopefully), more people are reading wholesome, edifying articles and learning about God through the site. It helps to remember that it is not just about the word count or article length, pictures and hyperlinks, SEOs and meta crawlers, page views or number of comments but that Jesus is glorified in every way possible through my writing.

Perhaps I should mention here that I do not refer to the Nebuchadnezzar kind of balcony survey (to gloat in pride) or the Davidic type (of peeping at naked women).

Right now, I can’t think of anything wrong with keeping the balcony view in perspective. Can you? I hope I will always remember to heed my own advice

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NIV)

What methods do you use to keep your focus in life? Kindly share with us in the comments section.

Blessings.

MISS AUGUST AT THE WELL (SEASON ONE)

Reading John 4:10 brings a small scene before my mind; it is like having the late Steve Jobs, founder of Apple taking a walk through a shanty town when his phone batteries dies and he asks a poor young lady to please let him use her china phone to make a one minute call. I assume the woman would not only be more than happy to oblige, but she would ask for a few favours in exchange as well, how about an ipod, or an iphone or an ipad- and if Jobs was feeling benevolent, how about all three!-I would do that!  Incredible how this makes alot of sense.

The woman initially turned Jesus down because she had no idea who He is-not was. She definately would have responded differently if she had a revelational knowledge of Him.
As we would later note, once she saw Him for Him, her disposition radically changed (John 4:28-29). By beholding Him, she was transformed from one level of glory to a higher level. Hallelujah! God be praised for His tremendous works amongst the children of men.
Perhaps this calls to mind another issue: when I am reluctant to let go of something God is asking me for, perhaps I find it easy to turn Him down because I do not really know or I have forgotten the identity of the Person who is asking me for a drink. Why, He is the owner of all the seas, oceans, rivers and springs combined!

As we would later see, when the woman decoded her own version of the person of Jesus, like me, she began to ask for things- water(comfort-that she may never have to 'trek' to the well again, a better job, more money, a nicer car, promotion, drop dead gorgeous 'complete man' husband... But there is a catch; when I make these requests, Jesus begins to ask simple questions that are difficult to answer-not because He doesn't know but because He is giving me an opportunity to be honest with Him. Once we worship Him in truth and with honesty of heart, He brings us into our eternal, divine destiny. That woman won souls for God- the highest honour of every believer while we still abide in this material earth.

Maybe having God ask me to give Him something is actually a cheque, an opportunity to give Him and then ask for something greater, some thing precious, something eternal- not an ipad, but Zoe- the indestructible life of God.
Amen.

AUGUST AT THE WELL (SEASON ONE)
Him: Hey August, its good you are here. You are just the person I need to see. Give me some 'what you've got' for your next door neighbours.
August: What? Are You kidding? Why would you even ask me that? Do you have any idea how much it costs here in Nigeria?
Him: (clicking tongue) tsk, tsk, tsk. August, August, if only you knew who He is that asks you for this. I am the Jireh Myself. I can give you a thousand times over what I just asked. A thousand? Make that a million. Why?  I'ld do a billion, and if I really want to brag, I'ld do a trillion multiplied by a zillion of that.
August: (trying without success to comprehend and not faint from the delirious prospect of having ALL that!) You would? Hey c'mmon, you can have what you asked. I was only teasing You when I said no.
Him: That's a smart girl. Now before I hand it over, go and bring me your friend.
August: My friend? Er... I have no friend.
Him: You have spoken well. For you have had many friends who loved you but due to levity and non-challance, you refused to nurture those relationships. Sometimes due to your pride and the time-consuming chase after your own goals, you left them feeling inferior to you.
August: Well I see... You a prophet huh? I know that the Messiah is coming” (the one called Christ); “whenever he comes, he will tell me everything".
Him: I who speak to you, am He.
August makes a mad dash all around town telling everyone about Him and many (ok, maybe some) of them (including her long lost friends) came to the saving knowledge of Him and August won a trillion multiplied by a zillion crowns of gold in eternity-'He' really was in the mood to brag.
PS:This is a note I made using the word bible software. I have found it incredibly useful for my personal Bible study-and No, this is not an advert-paid or not.
Blessings,
Miss August 

WHY I STARTED THIS BLOG

WHY I STARTED THIS BLOG

I got the idea of this permanent introductory article from a guy called Jeff Nickles- formerly of www.mysuperchargedlife.com. Jeff now blogs at www.copyjesus.com.

Here, regardless of when you begin to follow posts from this site, (hopefully not too long from the first day it goes live), this page will always be there to explain what the site is all about.

Here we go: During my Nation Youth Service (NYSC) year, I stumbled on a book by Bruce Wilkinson titled A Life God Rewards. Bruce is also the author of the Prayer of Jabez. Both books are life transforming but I must say ‘A Life God Rewards made a major impression on me. Coupled with a quite extensive personal study of similar parables found in Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 12:41-48, and Matthew 24:45-51, it was from this book that I got the Idea that God wants us to actively trade with our talents. He expects us to be entrepreneurial with them-or it, if you have one talent… Please note that I did not say “even if you have one talent- it could sound derogatory to the ‘one talenters’ 

 While I hope you check out and do a personal study on those fundamental scriptures, I’d give you a recap here:

·         God has given US ALL amazing talents…or talent whichever applies to you. Apart from your day job, there is one ‘ordinary’ thing that you can do exceptionally. E.g: You have a way with words on paper- You can write

·         God expects that you and I work actively with our talents by finding avenues for expressing His precious gift embedded in your special ability. E.g: You write for a local publication, Write tracts for evangelism, Write for/ Edit your fellowship magazine. There is no room to be lazy.

·         God expects you and I to glorify Him with those talents. E.g/; You may write religious content that share and show Bible based faith, but even when you do write secular topics, you are decent, inspiring and you exude a certain ‘fragrance of grace’- don’t ask me to explain what it means but I have seen it before and I recognised it. I have followed blogs that discussed non-religious topics but somehow, I could pick this fragrance. Sometimes, I e-mailed these writers and they confirmed my suspicions. They were also glad I noticed, Kevin McKee of the thousandaire- a personal finance blog and Jeff (again) of my supercharged life are real examples.

·         God wants us to task our creativity is expressing those talents. I am always disturbed at the sometimes dismal performances I see in stuff titled Christian movies, Christian songs, and Christian stuff. When you complain, people excuse it and say “come on, it’s a Christian movie, what do you expect?” Come on! There is something to be said of the qualityof creation. 

 Look at creation and behold a God devoted to top-notch, excellence, cream-of-the-crop productions. Imagine that God built a ‘christian-quality’ sky…well I guess we wouldn’t be here, It would have caved in before Charles Darwin had the chance to think of evolution…Now, that’s a thought! (I hope I am able to give quality writing through this site, if I don’t, I would have to eat up my words. Won’t I?)

·         God expects us to trust Him to use our talents for His own glory: That you don’t receive thousands of email from people who became born again through your talent does not mean you are not glorifying God. It is a nice addition though.

·         God is very miffed when we leave our talents to lie fallow…and that is putting it very mildly.

The last part, and my favourite: God is very pleased when we consciously commit ourselves to pleasing Him through our talents. In fact, He wants to return and meet us doing just that.

So, this epistle, is my own personal interpretation of the scriptures listed above, and this blog is one of my practical interpretations.

Hope it fulfils the purpose.

Cheers and Blessings,

Miss. August.