@OP,
I read your opening post and while you are angry at the way your pastor's wife told you about calling her husband 'daddy', I do not think it is such a big issue that would make you so angry, even if it's in the wife's presence you call him such. I know Nigerians in some cultures see calling people 'daddy' as a sign of respect. Infact imagine entering a room that has so many elderly women and you call 'mummy', everyone will turn in your direction. That is simply a cultural thing that will not affect you in anyway. The woman has said you should accord her husband that respect. There are some 'battles' you should realise cannot be handled the way you are going about, as is this one in this case. Try to follow peace...afterall Jesus said if any forces you to go a mile with him, go twain...it is simply a matter of peace.
You should have called the pastor that name 'daddy' to his face and see what he says, he may even tell you not to call him such.

Mamacita007: Looooool maybe you looked so beautiful so she wanna protect her husband. if i were u, i will stay there & see that pastor daddy g.o. let her go & die if she wants to looool

specialguest:

great sense of humour! Hahahaha thank God tomorrow is Sunday, we will see again. I just hope she is not a nairalander o, before I will hear sermon about girls of these days

The reason why I even bothered to respond to this thread when I read it was what I saw above. Someone actually came here and said the 'go and die' word above about your pastor's wife and you said she has a sense of humour? Possibly you do not know you have just fully disrespected your pastor due to what you wrote about his wife (they are one). If you truly have some respect for him, you will accord his wife the same 'if it is just for peace sake'. Your true character and intent is on display.

lateef4me: @Odunharry ,
@Alwaystrue ,

You omitted sunday's update and you did today's update since yesterday . Are you using their book noww ? I've not been able to get a copy since intercontinental bank had issues with CBN .....

Have a wonderful week ahead !

Hello lateef4me,
There was a mix up which has now been fixed. Thanks.

Wise Men Still Seek Him (1)

Monday, 23 December 2013

'...Wise men...came to Jerusalem, saying, Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?' Matthew 2:1-2

Why would someone leave the comfort of their home, travel thousands of kilometres by camel, brave blistering deserts fraught with robbers and hazards to follow a star to an unfamiliar destination? There's only one answer: wise men and women have always hungered for God. It’s said that the three most sought-out words on the internet today are ‘work’, ‘sex’ and ‘God’. Work addresses our need for security; sex addresses our need for companionship and intimacy; God addresses our need to be forgiven, to experience peace and joy, and understand our life’s purpose on earth. It's why primitive tribes who don't know God make gods out of mountains, trees and rocks. Deep down we all have a need to experience something bigger than ourselves; someone capable of loving us, protecting and directing us. When his life fell apart Job cried, 'Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, that I might come to His seat!' (Job 23:3) The ancient Greeks had an altar on Mars Hill with the inscription, 'To the unknown God'. Then Paul told them, '...What you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.' (Acts 17:23) The good news of Christmas is, you can seek God and find Him, by coming to know Jesus as your own personal Saviour. Hosea called Israel back to God with these words: 'Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn...' (Hosea 6:3)

SoulFood: Job 21-23, Luke 2:1-7, Ps 128, Ecc 10:5-9

This is The Word for Today

Good morning dear mums and dads,

@Merciful, you may be counting CDs yet God has put baby there. I know of someone who saw her period for 5 months yet was unknowingly pregnant or is it someone who was 7weeks pregnant yet was even taking belly-reducing fruits? Please don't underestimate God. Did Sarah count cycle days to have Isaac? As @ Pink said, God is God no matter what.


@All,
I was watching a program on Dove TV recently and a true life story was told of a man who was married and had about 4 sons but went on to have a second wife but could not impregnate her. So he went to the doctor who told him he had something in his bloodstream that wouldn't make him be able to father a child. He was shocked as he had 4 children already. When the truth came out, his wife confessed she slept with people that looked like him each time she wanted a child, when she realised he had a problem. The man was so traumatised he felt like killing the whole family and himself.
The morale of the story was that whatsoever anyone does in life has a way of meeting him again ahead in the future. What we sow is what we reap, we may ask for forgiveness and get forgiven but repercurssions are still there atimes and it does not mean God has not fprgiven you or does not love you.
If you do good, either you and/or your children will enjoy it and the same if anyone does bad. Please think about God and your children before doing somethings.
That is why we see in the bible that the fathers ate sour grapes and the childrens teeth are set on edge as a scripture.
So whatever is a care to you in this world, set it at the feet of the Master rather than taking wrong ways to achieve our goals.

Be righteous enough to believe God to do what only He can do. Let your testimony give full proof that indeed God is faithful.

Always Do What's Right

Sunday, 22 December 2013

'...Hold fast what is good.' 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Someone wrote: 'Today we mourn the passing of an old friend - common sense. He devoted his service to schools, hospitals and churches; he got jobs done without fanfare and foolishness. For decades, silly rules and frivolous lawsuits didn't affect him. He cultivated practices like sharing with others, teaching kids spiritual values and living within your means. He survived the Industrial Revolution and the Great Depression. But he couldn't withstand the ravages of declining moral and spiritual values. He watched as leaders became corrupt and good people became apathetic. He saw the Ten Commandments outlawed in public buildings, prayer banned from the classroom and criminals enjoying more rights than their victims. He watched in despair as teachers who needed parental consent to administer an aspirin, couldn't tell a parent their child wanted an abortion. Common sense was predeceased by truth, trust and responsibility. His funeral wasn't well attended; few realised he had gone!'

In a recent Gallup Poll, 50% of those interviewed said they believe there are 'no absolutes' when it comes to good and evil. Look around you and you'll see the results of that kind of thinking! But God doesn't share their opinion. His Word says, 'Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil' (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). God told Israel not to remove the ancient boundary markers. God establishes boundaries for our protection, blessing and guidance (Proverbs 22:28.).

So stand up for what's right and don't fear criticism. Darkness has never been a friend of light, or wrong a companion of right. Nevertheless, walk in the light and always do what's right.


SoulFood: John 14:6-11, Acts 4:8-12, Acts 16:22-34, Matt 1:18-21
This is The Word for Today

@smiler, all I can say is wow! Wow! Wow!
May the Lord make you overtake in the most unimaginable way. Wow! May what you get in 2014 far exceed what you have experienced in all your life up till 2013! Amen!

Hello all,
Please read this devotional for spiritual upliftment:

Sparrows (5)

Saturday, 21 December 2013

'...Your heavenly Father feeds them...' Matthew 6:26


A sparrow. Jesus said: 'Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to Him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?...These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.' (Matthew 6:26-33) If you need some more Scriptural promises to stand on, here they are: 'Fear the Lord, you His godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they need.' (Psalm 34:9) 'Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on the earth; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches will be in his house...He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.' (Psalm 112:1-7) God recorded these promises in His Word so that you could read them over and over, and in reading them, rise above worry and live your life with joy and confidence.


SoulFood: Job 18-20, Matt 1:1-17, Ps 47, Ecc 10:1-4

This is the Word for Today

@zezzy, yes. The word of God is true

@Uteh, Lol. Yes o Dr Uteh, no shakement. I love that faith. Once a baby stayed over at my place with his sister and his pampers finished. I just opened one I had bought a while back and used for him. WHat you said is so true about BOLD FAITH. Abraham and Sarah were calling themselves such names by changing from Abram and Sarai irrespective of people laughing at them or not. When you have hope you can never be ashamed, Let them laugh in scorn now, they will still laugh in shock when God dazes us. I need to go and stock up more on baby things as I have children over from time to time, I also get party packs from mothers.

@tamitara, Lizzyslaws message was GBAM! She hit the nail on the head. It is not about being strong because we are not strong on our own, the joy and hope we have in God is what strengthens us. Besides you can chose to be happy. If anyone was to know she will have to wait for more than 3 years before she has a child, would she do that with a long unhappy face or be joyful irrespective? Our life on earth is to praise God o, never compromise that for anything. God knows what is best for us and makes all things beautiful at the set time. All our times may not be the same. Hugs dear. Do not be downcast. Set your hope on God.

@joybik, @Godsgrace Amen. It is settled. It is good to tear up once in a while but never out of hopelessness but actually tears of hope. The tears I cried were that of hope.

@Hawtmummie, fall your hand ke?! I fit? I no fit o LOL. Neither was I falling anyones hand o. I just tear up alittle so you guys go know say na blood i get for my veins not steel o. Remember Jesus wept and also when he was about to be crucified he was sorrowful, so understand we are human but remember Jesus never despaired. WHen we ask fro strength, the angels are sent to make everything easy for us.

@cjnone, AMEN! Yes you saw well. Na 30/30 vision you get o. Nothing do you at all. We will rejoice more.

@IyaEjima, Yes oooooooooo! Amen. It is our season jare.

@Lizzyslaw, you have spoken well. Let us be thankful always. Thanks for coming out because of me. We need to keep looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Amen and thank you. All this will make the testimony sweeter.

@Nechebaby, @Rute, @Honeypie @enkaay @Pink @santagelo, @Godiya, @skimpychick and all (no vex if I no call your name) Thanks for your messages and encouragements. Keep the faith. Nothing should ever make you despair. Nothing! Abraham held on and He was counted as righteous, show your rightesouness in this wait by believing the word of God concerning you. That is all He wants...Believe Him and the rest is easy.

@Tbaby4real, Awwww thanks so much dear. Yes my dear, you do not know how dazed I am at you. You are an inspiration to many. Not only you but many other mums who went through waht you did and yet are strong. It is not easy I tell you I know. God will make you laugh in shock at His work in your life.

@Genbuhari CONGRATS TO MADAM AND YOU! The beautiful daughter the Lord has blessed you with will serve the Lord and be a source of continuous joy to you. I thought this was just your first till I saw @Lizzy's message. This is a great addition to your family. My madam receive more strength to pull through and be revived. Amen.

Sparrows (5)

Saturday, 21 December 2013

'...Your heavenly Father feeds them...' Matthew 6:26


A sparrow. Jesus said: 'Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to Him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?...These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.' (Matthew 6:26-33) If you need some more Scriptural promises to stand on, here they are: 'Fear the Lord, you His godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they need.' (Psalm 34:9) 'Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on the earth; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches will be in his house...He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.' (Psalm 112:1-7) God recorded these promises in His Word so that you could read them over and over, and in reading them, rise above worry and live your life with joy and confidence.


SoulFood: Job 18-20, Matt 1:1-17, Ps 47, Ecc 10:1-4

This is the Word for Today

Psalm 119:49-50
49 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. 50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

God's word has always quickened us for in it is life, hope, light and joy.
Thanks all, even @Honeypie came out to post. I appreciate you all.
Once in a while we cry to let off emotions as humans but not out of hopelessness o.
For we may be troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we may be perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed...2 Cor. 4.
See as everyone became impromptu encourager. Yes, no matter what God is God and His word is sure.
It is out season of pleasant surprises as we celebrate our saviour's birth.


@Mowafruitful, no o. We are rejoicing for your own house. Don't read it as misinterpreting o.

@Smiler, and I did just that. you are such a darling for that suggestion. I cried singing till I started smiling. All I could do was worship God in two songs picturing God's faithfulness. I felt so released and relieved. You are too much o. God bless you beyond measure and all my faithful mum and dad here. I feel so light.

Something hit me before I was done:

Remember where Abraham went in Faith to sacrifice Isaac? When Isaac asked him where the lamb was, Abraham said and I quote 'My son, God will provide HIMSELF a lamb for a burnt offering'...That was Hope! And God did just that. I never saw it like this before. Abraham just knew God. Gosh, he is so blessed. Thank you soooo much.

^^^^^AMEN! Thanks so much @smiler, I just gained something again from that Hebrews 11 you quoted. Faith and Hope, WOW! It is hitting home. I encourage myself more when I post sciptures. That is what i have realised. As you lift a brother up, you cannot stay down yourself.

@ayaakanoh, Amen. Thank you. God will wow us all and crown our year 2013 with pleasant surprises.

Really, I am so emotional now, because of this outpouring of love, I do not know what to do.

Romans 4:19-22
19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb
20 No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God
21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.
22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.”

Good morning glorious parents.
Many times, we read the bible as a fairy tale and not the reality that people of old actually walked this road. What made Abraham believe so much even when there was no bible, no encouragement, nobody to run to like NL to lift him up, but all he heard was a WORD...A word from God. Have you ever thought about it? did he have testimonies of people who had gotten children at that age before? Common, he considered his own body dead, and the barrenness, menopause extra of Sarah's body. What was there to hope for? Really let us ask ourselves this question.
Yet he was FULLY convinced that GOD was able to do as He promised.
What have you experienced that you held on to the word of God on. God had to count Him as righteous. It is just mind-blowing.

When God told him to sacrifice the only son he had, he went ahead with faith. GOD was sooooo , God SWORE BY HIMSELF that Abraham will be blessed and it is this blessing we are all enjoying....

Can you dare to be an Abraham today?


Think on this: Hope maketh not ashamed...No matter what bad word anyone tells you in this journey, if you have that hope, their words will not touch you at all because there is a hope inside you that is not affected by external storms.




@mummyf, Amen. Yes O!
Thank you so much. How is bumping?


Awwwwwwww favoured, santagelo, now you guys want to make me cry. Really wiping tears. Thanks. Wonder why I am so emotional lately

Sparrows (4)

Friday, 20 December 2013

'...Not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will.' Matthew 10:29


A fallen sparrow. Jesus said, 'Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will.' Great news: God knows when you fall, and His will is to lift you up again. Perhaps you were flying high, then you made a mistake. You were sabotaged by a secret struggle you couldn't share with anyone. Or your trust was devastated by someone you loved. As a result you are afraid to begin again; afraid you can't overcome your past and rise again to fulfil your destiny. Regardless of how many times you've failed, God still loves you. Have you been attacked in a specific area of your life and it's become an area of repeated failure? Have you asked yourself, 'What is this battle about?' Hear this: the battle is not over your past, it's over your future! That's why you are a target. And the God Who gave Peter and Jonah a second chance, will lift you from the ashes of failure and remake your life into something beautiful. God saw you when you fell, so there's no reason to try and hide from Him. Like the shepherd who went looking for his one lost sheep, God is looking for you today. Not to condemn you but to restore you. Self-exaltation leads to pride, which God hates. But self-loathing leads to paralysis. There's only one unpardonable sin (Mark 3:22-30, Matthew 12:31-32), so you can go to God with confidence knowing He will give you a fresh start. And this time He will empower you to be strong and succeed.


SoulFood: Job 15-17, Luke 1:67-80, Ps 12, Ecc 8:1-9:12

This is The Word for Today

Amen @Omonikiba. Amen. I know. I watched a film today (oh sorry yesterday) and that film ministered to me in so many ways, I cried (yeah cry cry baby) but I got the message, I realised I don't watch films anymore just about entertainment but I pick silent nuggets in it. That film brought about my remebering the scripture in my last post and in the tears, I typed that post...the film? The Shawshank Redemption.
I reaaaaalllly appreciate your post, I really do. Greetings to Dh and pat LO for me.

Romans 4:18
Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!”

Can you dare to hope? Do you have the audacity to hope? Is there anything to hope for and hope on? Can you be 'mad' enough to hope against all hope that you will be a mother or a father irrespective of what your doctors, body, circumstances tells you? Can you tenaciously, blindly hope so much that you have even burnt all the bridges and cannot go back anymore to doubt?
Have you reached that stage? Abraham had reached that stage...there was nothing more to do than to just hope that He will be the father of nations.

Alwaystrue has reached that stage, people, with tears in my eyes, running down my cheeks and only hope in my heart and no words to quantify it, Even when there may be no reason for hope, Alwaystrue keeps hoping—believing that she will become the mother of her own children with her own husband. The hope has reached the stage that it is not of my own doing anymore, it is the word of God.
That is my audacity of hope.

John 2:1-11
1 The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there,
2 and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration.
3 The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.”
5 But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
7 Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled,
8 he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions.
9 When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over.

10 “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!”
I did not pick all the verses in that passage so it is not too lengthy. This is the popular story of the first miracle of Jesus but there are some points I want you to consider:

1. The wine finished at a wedding - Lack
2. Jesus said His time had not come yet He listened to His mum - Relationship
3. His mum told servants to do what Jesus said - Unshakeable Faith
4. Jesus told the servants what to do - Instruction
5. The chairman of the wedding had to comment that this was the best wine - Jehovah Overdo/ the Miracle

@Smiler I want to thank you for that lovely link. It really spoke to me and formed basis for this post.

The wine was finished was the fact, Jesus gave instruction and it was heeded due to the faith and persistence of Is mum and water tuned to wine...that was the truth.
The wine was so good that even the chairman thought this was the best wine reserved for when people were drink with the bad wine. I am sure the groom would ave been wondering that afterall we served good wine before. What was the difference? Instruction, Faith, the Word of God, Persistence and trust.


Have doctors told you your 'wine' is finished? Have you forgotten you have a relationship with Jesus and all you need is the Word of God and the divine instruction peculiar to you to use that common thing as 'water' that you already have to be the foundation that the spirit will brood upon Just like in Genesis at creation and then hn you apply that instruction (The Word), *blast* the water will turn to wine?
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding...Proverbs 4:7.

As you get that wisdom for your situation, get the understanding that the end result is a miracle. Enjoy your 'wine' miracle.


@zaramum, it is well. Something better will come.

@joybik, tami&Tara, lore&temi, thanks.

@mamaoge, lolz at milk factory worker.

Sparrows (3)

Thursday, 19 December 2013

'The sparrow has found a home...a place near your altar...' Psalm 84:3


A lost sparrow. The hit TV series Lost was about a plane crashing on a remote island and the survivors rebuilding their lives amidst the wreckage. The secret of the show's success was that we could all relate to it. We've lost marriages, businesses, homes, self-worth, security and a lot of other things. But Jesus came to '...seek and to save that which was lost.' (Luke 19:10) Unlike us, Jesus didn't see people as 'good' or 'bad', but as 'lost'. He knew they'd lost their way, lost their values, lost their relationships, lost their ability to cope, lost their faith, and in some cases lost their reason to live. And He sought them out: like the woman at the well with five divorces and a live-in boyfriend; like the man who lay at the Pool of Bethesda for 38 years, chronically ill, noticed by no one; like Mary who wept at the tomb of the One she loved most. If you're lost today, you can have a personal audience with the Lord. 'The sparrow has found a home...where she may lay her young - even Your altars, O Lord of Hosts... Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they will still be praising You.' (Psalm 84:3-4) Today you can 'come home' to God! You can build your nest and raise your family in the shelter of His protection. You can feel safe with Him. As you bow in worship, He will lift you up and make you feel valuable again. He will deliver you from the fear of rejection and loneliness. You can't hide from God, but you can hide in Him.


SoulFood: Job 11-14, Luke 1:57-66, Ps 67, Ecc 7:19-22


This is The Word for Today



@Odunharry, that is nice. Irrespective of if we create a new thread or not, you will post the Word on 01/01/14. Congrats in advance.
Thanks for the prayer. Amen.

@Smiler,
After blending the coconut to extract the milk, put in a transparent container or glass bowl and let it stand for about an hour, then scoop out the coconut cream (the white part that seperates from the water) into another transparent/glass bowl and leave slightly covered in a warm place for 48hrs or more till you see bubbles of oil in the cream. By the third/fourth day, the cream should be fermented and becomes a thin layer while the oil would be at the bottom. Scoop away the fermeted cream and strain the oil through a cheesecloth to remove any particles/residue. Alternatively do not scoop fermented cream layer but freeze then both the cream and oil will harden or solidify and it is easier to seperate.

@twinsgirls I will like to know your method o. Happy enjoyment, I had one over some time back and if not for time and work, I try to have children over my place often. It is good preparation for ours but 8! Na patience you need o

InesQor:

To make sure I understand you clearly, are you saying that you believe ALL marriages between two Christians are deemed acceptable by God, but those between a believer and an unbeliever are unacceptable?

I told you God will respect convenants (SIMPLY PUT HE RESPECTS CHOICE) that people make.
I really do not know what you expect me to say. You asked a question and I only tried to pry more to get more understanding of the background of the question. Even if two unbelievers marry, they are still bound by the terms of the marriage convenant...God respects their choice to marry and that choice is binding. That is all I meant. Acceptability is totally God's prerogative.

InesQor:
No offence. I have never discussed with you before. There are some Nairalanders that I have realized are intellectually dishonest i.e. their mode of discussion is very mercurial. Yet others are honest and I enjoy discussing with them.

What made me raise that flag is that here you are asking me for practical examples of something that I believe it is clear that the Bible would usually not give "examples" on. Like me asking for practical examples of where God said you should not beat your wife. Will I be able to produce such a verse? No. What I can show you are precepts and principles.

If you are no longer interested in discussing this, that's fine. Once again, no offence intended.

For the bolded in red, you have no practical examples of where God says do not beat your wife...you can see scriptures to that effect. So yes there indeed are practical examples:

Ephesians 5:28-29
28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself;
29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church
Just like you cannot beat yourself, do not beat your wife or do not deal treacherously with her. Very simple.

There are some nairalanders too who start 'insinuation' even in a normal discuss and once I noticed you wanted to start tending towards that way with your comment, I had to state that in my last post to you.

Ihedinobi:
Yes it has, sis. I've been well. How have you been yourself?

That is good to know. I have and am doing very well. Thanks for asking.

Ihedinobi: Guys, if sex is marriage, then there is no such thing as "pre-marital" sex. It means that you're married to everyone you've ever slept with. That is obviously not true. Sex is a 'marriage' of bodies, that is, a joining of bodies with another person. Clearly, and obviously, it was designed to occur only under a condition of 'marriage' of other things besides the body.

When two people have decided that they will spend the rest of their lives together, they aren't automatically married. They will be married after they have fulfilled what traditions are necessary to pronounce them married. This is not to say that traditions are God, but to say that God is no author of confusion. If people can pronounce themselves married merely because they have decided that they want to spend the rest of their lives with each other - mere intention - what is the point of marriage ceremony, documents signing, token-sharing, vows and whatnot? Anyone may simply pick up a member of the opposite sex whenever they please and start having sexx with them. And why should they be expected to stick with the union when things get tough if there is no binding covenant or contract and there are no witnesses to hold them to their commitments?

Even the first couple were married before they started having sexx. The "father" of the woman brought her to the man and the man accepted and claimed her for himself and made her the center of his life. That was the precedent that God set. If we have decided to make that simple ceremony elaborate, that is our own problem, but we cannot scrap the entire thing just to suit our hormones. There must be an exchange and a commitment to the woman's welfare before a marriage can said to have been finalized.

Succint! And how have you been? It has been a while.

Choi! This Christmas celebration go helele o! Thanks @Dreamsinbc, how are LO and DH? I dey great o, plenty to learn here. That sesame oil i dey use am wella o.

@kikeladae, I see you handwork.

@Venus I tried the tigernut with coconut, ginger and garlic. BAM! Though I think I added too much garlic for the smell ehn! How do you do your coocnut oil. Because I do not want to heat it, I tried the fermenting process and it worked well, so no heat. On the idea of the coconut cream residue thank you for that but is it the cream left after frying the coconut milk to extract the oil? In fermenting process, the cream ferments and cannot be used.

@favouredgal, thanks for that recipe. E be like say coconut no go dey miss for me kitchen.

Sparrows (2)

Wednesday, 18 December 2013

'I am like...a sparrow alone on the housetop.' Psalm 102:6-7


A sparrow. The Psalmist wrote, 'I am like...a sparrow alone on the housetop.' Has your nest been torn apart by a storm? Have you lost your mate? Jesus can relate. His disciples didn't 'get Him'. They argued over who would be the greatest. They failed to pray with Him in His most difficult moments. On the cross He cried out, 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?' (Matthew 27:46) We smile at the story of the single lady who hung a pair of trousers on her bedpost, then sent God a letter: 'Father in Heaven, help me if you can. I've hung a pair of trousers here, please fill them with a man.' Seriously, loneliness can be devastating to your self-worth. Young people wonder if they will ever find the right person to marry. Older people fear ending life all alone. The God Who knew that Adam was incomplete not only created Eve for him, but actually introduced them and brought them together. And He can do the same for you. If you are widowed, divorced, or never married and want to find a mate, don't be anxious. God says, 'I know...where you dwell...' (Revelation 2:13) God knows your name, your address, and every detail about you. And better yet, He cares! And one more thought: sometimes loneliness is not the absence of affection but the absence of direction; not the absence of people but the absence of purpose. So begin to reach out to others. Find a need no one is meeting, pour your life into it and watch how things begin to improve for you.


SoulFood: Job 8-10, Luke 1:39-56, Ps 57, Ecc 7:13-18


This is The Word for Today

@lateef4me,
Jehovah is faithful! Thanks to God for this great year, we started it are ended it better and stronger. We can continue this is my suggestion but whichever we decide is still ok.

@Iyabetajos, Amen. It is God. It encourages me as well. Thank you. How are the twins and triplets? God is your strength. Please enjoy this time. And may they come forth at the right time. You will carry to term.

@Smokeydrinky....Smooth Mama and the other names adviced here are fine o

@MSTIA, AMEN! Thank you. How is LO? 2014 is time to warm up for number two o...wink wink

@favoredgal, Lolz. No worry, have faith. Their are cases of people that thought they were having one and gave birth to the second one thinking it was the afterbirth. Talk about being stumped! IYALENU!
Woooooow! Job with pregnancy?! See favour. What else do you need to know that God is faithful and will sweep protocol aside for your sake. CONGRATS! May this job favour you as you are favoured and this provision stretch to cover all needs. God is truly faithful. He has done you well o.

@Udobaby, how is NaniOluwa? Please kisses to him o....wet ones. and Happy birthday to you. See how faithful God is? Do you remember all the years of waiting now? Is it not worth it to wait on the Lord? Helep me greet oga. He try well well.

@Tbabygirl4real, it is well with you. Expect the unusual as you trust. The Lord will crown our year with fatness and fruitfulness.

@justwinnie, welcome and congrats. Please enjoy your preggy o.

Colossians 2:7
Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness

Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. The delay in your desire is a time to let your roots grow down and deep in Jesus Christ and you will remain steadfast and strong irrespective of situations because when God answers you, your trust will sky rocket. God has plans for everyone and they are not always the same way and time.
Some people build bungalows and some build sky scrapers. While some are still building the foundation of their sky scraper, the person that is building the bungalow will have finished building and will have moved in. But when the sky scraper is finished, it is like a mustard seed though smaller then other seeds, it grows big and huge and becomes a nest for birds.
Many people do not realise that now they may not have sprouted but their roots are growing deeper and stronger to attach well and have a steady source of water supply from the ground. They should not compare themselves to others who have no root but grow fast and fade fast for their faith is not tried and tested.
It is a priviledge to be tried/tested , yes you heard me well...But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold...Job 23:10...How many people are God's gold here?

Do know that, as the testimony we heard a while back by @cjnone of a woman who waited for years and then had twins after she reconciled with her hubby, as she said nothing can move her and she can trust God for anything....her roots are so deep now that her source is sure.
Remain rooted.

Good morning all.

OLAADEGBU:

Thanks for point in the bolded. That the animal blood was used like a covering" explains the atonement very well. It's like using a table cloth to cover stains embedded in/on a table.

Thanks for the insight.

Demain_man: I personally would have prefered a [b]quick action God. The world would have become a better place by now.

. Would even you have been able to stand? God is longsuffering both in the OT and the NT. It is actually more greivious to trample on the gift of Christ and take His grace for granted. People do not realise this but whatever a man sows he will reap is still very much in effect.
In the OT, the law of sin and death prevailed though God was still gracious and in the NT the law of sin and death still abounds to those who walk after the flesh, just that we now have grace and an advocate in heaven who gives life (Spirit) especially if we maximise this grace and also use the help to be cleansed from within and then act correctly.

ideology:
marriage begins when your dad says yes to the man you introduced to him, not even on the wedding day or traditional marriage. the wedding or traditional marriage is like public declaration of your new status. even during the occasions the pastor still calls out your dad to confirm that he has agreed to let you go,

I agree to this but the father (or chosen elder if her father is dead) gives the woman away. Saying 'yes' does not mean marriage except the father is handing over the lady as well just as Rebecca was handed over to Abraham's servant in the bible.
Laban also consented to reease Rachel BUT Jacob was to work for him for 7 yrs after which Jacob had to demand for His wife from Laban to go in to her to which Laban ordered a feast though he decieved Jacob.
In some cultures marriage is a 'yes and a brideprice payment' just like Ibos. The father may not consider his daughter to be married till this is done. So a 'yes' may not be enough.
For those who do white wedding or church, since churches stipulate no sex till after they are wedded, people should learn to comply with authority, despite the traditional wedding completed, to fulfil all righteousness. Better still do the whole wedding same day or chose one. I know of people who did traditional wedding with pastor to pray and bless the union right there at the traditional wedding venue though they had registered the marriage earlier in the day and that was it. It all needs wisdom.

ideology: pls o o o, I just noticed some argument here, sex is actually what joins people together not the ceremonies called marriage or wedding. that's why in the olden days, couples must have sex that nite AFTER the marriage or wedding, many peeps don't know this, and the wisdom behind this have not been passed down to recent generations, but this secret and truth stands. so if a guy have slept with 10ladies, automatically he is being join to 10ladies, the main problem is that he is not only joined to 10ladies but also every other persons these ladies have also had sex with. its complicated. but Its been proven spiritually, medical and psychologically

Note the bolded...The sex consummates the marriage. The bride has to be given away FIRST, the man leaves to cleave. It is as simple as it gets.
The sex on the wedding night of old was also usually to affirm the woman was a virgin (tokens of virginity) and there will be celebration of she was intact, if she was not per bible days she would even be stoned for commiting FORNICATION or playing the HARLOT in her fathers house. Deuteronomy 22:15-20, that was how important purity was to the people of those days. If she was even no more a virgin because she was raped it had to be reported. Deuteronomy 22:23-27.

Sex is not marriage, if not, the raped lady had to marry her rapist. In the case in the bible, it is seen that the father of a lady had a right to refuse marriage to his daughter as penalty for a man seducing her even after the man pays the penalty fee for virgins.
These are OT but a lot can be drawn from it.

PRE-marital sex is sex BEFORE marriage no matter how anyone tries to colour it with intentions to marry, bethrothed, committed to marry....it is not the same as marriage. Apostle Paul has said if people cannot control themselves or a man is behaving immodestly towards his virgin, they should marry...it is so simple but it is not surprising how people are trying to excuse sin. It is the last days now.

Nahum777: Heathens yes, unbelievers? No.

It was obvious you did not read my post then but jumped in mid way:
What I was trying to bring out was the link between the races then (demarcated by God's people and Other nations) and believers /unbelievers today....it is not about races but about believing God (Jew or gentile).

Nahum777: still your own opinion. Nothing like Unbelievers in the old testament, it was races.

They were called heathen. Not hard to figure.

InesQor:

If you are an honest person, you know that the sample space of marriages in the Bible is not THAT LARGE that I will have "practical proofs" of marriages that God did not approve of. It is not as if the Bible is a book on marriages, what we mostly have are precepts and principles. We can't find practical examples for all of them in the Bible! And if I give real-life examples they will be deemed anecdotal.

Thankfully I do have one instance.

In Numbers 25, God praised Phineas for punishing an Israelite prince. And what was the prince's offence? He married a Midianite woman, this was at a time when Midianites were in exile and their women were seeking refuge.

So will you answer my question now?

If you are patient enough, you will have noted I was online obviously posting or what do you mean by 'If I am an honest person', if you want to go that route there is no point discussing.
I think I have provided enough answers so far, as I can see all you need is someone to answer your every question.

InesQor:

God clearly gave instructions AGAINST marrying from some races in the OT and he punished people who intermarried with them anyway. What other proof do you need that God does not approve of ALL marriages?

So it is still applicable today, isn't it? What fellowship does light have with darkness, can two walk together except they agree, believers and unbelievers (not races) do not mix but Paul still has something to say about that. In the OT the Israelites were like today's believers while other races (gentiles) were unbelievers. Very clear.
So the onus lies on the believer not to mix with the unbeliever, if he or she goes ahead, he/she has already CONTRADICTED God's word (as you said) on that and will bear the consequences. But still that is not grounds for divorce (that is what I meant by 'respect') as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 7:12-16.