₦airaland Forum

Meeting Jesus at the Communion table

Fri, 18 Nov 2022

‘He sat at the table with them.’ Luke 24:30

Just before Jesus went to the cross, He instituted what has become known as The Lord’s Supper, or Holy Communion. He said that the cup represented His shed blood and the bread represented His broken body. Then He ended by saying: ‘Do this in remembrance of Me.’ (Luke 22:19 NKJV)

Now fast-forward to the house of Cleopas and his companion, following the resurrection. Jesus had walked and talked with them on the Emmaus road, explaining to them that all that had happened was a fulfilment of prophecy. ‘But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them. Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and, they knew Him.’ (Luke 24:29–31 NKJV).

In a sense, this too, was a communion service. But notice what happened to the people who attended it.

(1) Jesus met with them there.

(2) Their eyes were opened and they recognised Him in a way they never had before.

(3) They were deeply moved. ‘Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us?’ (Luke 24:32 NKJV)

(4) Then they went out and told others. ‘So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord is risen indeed!”’ (Luke2 4:33–34 NKJV)

If you have ever wondered how you’re supposed to feel or think when you take Communion, now you know.

God has redeemed you (2)

Thu, 17 Nov 2022

John 11:22

Here are three more things we learn from the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead:

(1) Whatever you have lost, God can restore. One of the great promises in Scripture is that God can restore to you the years that life has stolen (see Joel 2:25). Claim that promise; take it back to the place where you lost so much, and ask God to replace, restore, and renew. He will do it.

(2) Whatever you’re bound by, God can set you free. Jesus cried out for Lazarus to come forth. ‘And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave clothes… Jesus said…“Loose him, and let him go.”’ (John 11:44 NKJV) Today, God’s power is greater than any habit, hang-up, or circumstance that has you bound. Even though your mind doesn’t fully comprehend it, let your faith respond to Him. ‘Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it.’ (Psalm 119:34–35 NKJV) When you pray that prayer, your faith will grow, and circumstances that seem impossible to you right now will be changed by God’s power.

(3) No matter how bad you feel, God understands. At Lazarus’ funeral, Jesus wept. ‘Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!”’ (John 11:36 NKJV) This story proves we serve a God who cannot only give you back what you have lost but who cares about what you’re going through (see Hebrews 4:15). So, if you’re hurting today, turn to Him and let Him help you.

God has redeemed you (1)

Wed, 16 Nov 2022

John 11:4

Observe: (1) God has a plan in mind that you don’t see. Why did Jesus wait two extra days after hearing Lazarus was sick before going to visit the family? He waited for two reasons:

(a) That your faith may be strengthened. Jesus said, ‘I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe.’ (John 11:15 NKJV) In life, crises come and go. Your next crisis will be different from your last one, but the thing that must remain strong is your faith.

(b) That God may be glorified. The Pharisees believed your spirit left your corpse on the fourth day. Had Jesus arrived earlier than the fourth day, they may have said Lazarus wasn’t really dead. Hence Jesus said, ‘This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God.’ It’s in looking back that you see God’s wisdom and will at work in the situation.

(2) God will make you deal with issues you’ve tried to bury. When Jesus told them to take away the stone, Martha replied, ‘Lord, by this time, there is a stench.’ (John 11:39 NKJV) Are you praying for an answer in one area while God is telling you to take away the stone and deal with an issue you have buried in another area? When your heart is right with God, your prayers will be answered (see 1 John 3:21–22).

(3) God will make you an example of His grace. Picture Lazarus after his return to life. Without speaking a word, his life declared to everyone that Jesus is Lord. And the same can be true of you. God has redeemed and raised you up to be a testimony of His grace.

Advancedman:
Na them worst pass.

Oga ooo

Even people we call mothers too?

You’re perfect while being made holy.

Tue, 15 Nov 2022

‘He forever made perfect those who are being made holy.’ Hebrews 10:14

Stop putting yourself down by saying, ‘I keep failing, so I’m no good. I never do anything right.’ If you keep telling yourself that, you will find evidence to prove it. Richard Carlson says: ‘Putting yourself down reinforces rather than corrects your imperfections by placing unnecessary attention and energy on everything that’s wrong, rather than what’s right with you. Why would you do this knowing the only possible result is a negative outlook, more negative feelings, and less appreciation for the gift of life? People who regularly put themselves down are seen as complainers, not to mention the example they set. Everyone has aspects of themselves they’d like to improve, but this doesn’t mean you should beat yourself up.’

The Bible says, ‘For by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.’ Hebrews 10:14 Underline the word perfect. The word is not better or improving. God doesn’t improve; He perfects. He doesn’t enhance; He completes. There is, of course, a sense in which we’re imperfect. We still make mistakes. We still stumble. We still do exactly what we don’t want to do. That part of us is being made holy. But when it comes to our position before God, we’re perfect. When He sees each of us through the eyes of Jesus, He sees someone who has been made perfect through the One who is perfect—Jesus Christ. Yes, you should continue to work on improving yourself, but go easy; stop often and remind yourself that you have ‘put on the new self, which is being renewed in the knowledge and image of its Creator.’ (Colossians 3:10 NIV)

Instead of worrying, stand on God’s Word

Mon, 14 Nov 2022

‘Be strong and courageous. Be not afraid or dismayed.’ 2 Chronicles 32:7

Have you lost your sense of peace? Is your mind besieged with worry? If so, begin to program your thinking with these Bible promises—write them down, carry them with you, and read them regularly:

(1) ‘The Lord Himself watches over you… stands beside you… keeps you from all harm… watches over your life… keeps watch over you as you come and go.’ (Psalm 121:5–8 NLT)

(2) ‘Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.’ (Psalm 9:10 NIV)

(3) ‘Our fears for today… worries about tomorrow… even the powers of hell… nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God.’ (Romans 8:38–39 NLT)

(4) ‘They will fight against you, but… not prevail… for I am with you to save you and deliver you.’ (Jeremiah 15:20 NKJV)

(5) ‘You will be secure because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.’ (Job 11:18 NIV)

(6) ‘I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.’ (Psalm 4:8 NKJV)

(7) ‘In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33 NKJV)

( ‘Be not afraid or dismayed… for the battle is not yours, but God’s.’ (2 Chronicles 20:15 AMPC)

(9) ‘Fear not… When you pass through the waters… they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned.’ (Isaiah 43:1–2 NKJV)

(10) ‘I will rescue you… declares the Lord; you will not be given into the hands of those you fear.’ (Jeremiah 39:17 NIV)

vastolord4:
Sometimes, the hard way the best way. Once he sees the skin, even if he's offered the whole universe, he wouldn't try such

exactly my brother. And Nigeria corruptions is even higher compared to their days.

The picture below is a 16th century painting showing the skinning alive of a corrupt judge, Sisamnes, in the year 500BC. Sisamnes was a corrupt royal judge at the time of Cambyses ll in Persia.

It was discovered that he took a bribe in court and passed an unfair judgement. As a consequence the king ordered that he be arrested for his corruption and ordered that he be skinned alive. Before passing judgement the king asked Sisamnes who he wished to nominate as his successor.

Sisamnes, in his greed, chose his son, Otanes. The king agreed and appointed Otanes to replace his father. He subsequently passed judgement and ordered that Sisamnes removed skin should be used to upholster the seat on which the new judge would sit in court to remind him of the potential consequences of corruption.

Otanes, in his deliberations, was forced to always remember that he was always sitting on the skin of his executed father. This helped to ensure fairness and equity in all his hearings, deliberations and sentences.

https://www.facebook.com/100063914465691/posts/pfbid02Qz4FbgpHFT1CYgsDHobdWfkyGD7cLFGQHup6PFYiYMHL4o3JSyhjULa3HHi8tJEWl/

Do You Love God’s Word?

Sun, 13 Nov 2022

‘Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.’ Matthew 24:35

One of the first books to come off the printing press when it was invented was the Bible. And it’s still the world’s best-selling book.

An anonymous author has written: ‘It contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the fate of sinners, and the happiness of believers. It is a light to direct you, food to nourish you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveller’s road map, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s weapon, and the player’s game plan. It’s a mine of incredible wealth; and a river of genuine joy. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Christ is its grand subject, and the glory of God is its end. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be spiritually healthy. Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully. Let it fill your memory, rule your heart, and guide your steps. It is given to you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labour, and judge those who trifle with its sacred contents.’

Most of us respect the Bible; the trouble is we don’t read it daily and put it into practice. After hearing what the anonymous author had to say about it, why would you not delve into it and discover it for yourself? ‘The Word of the Lord endures forever.’ (1 Peter 1:25 NIV)

WibusJaga:
.

Make I go check my own.
I must vote & my vote must count this time around.

correct Nigerian.

Can you imagine? Even Man City @ home?

Learn to unplug and unwind

Sat, 12 Nov 2022

‘Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a little while.’ Mark 6:31

Don’t you find it interesting that the most high-tech generation in history is also the most medicated generation? The Bible predicted this. God told Daniel that in the last days ‘many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.’ (Daniel 12:4 NKJV) That’s us!

Research has shown that we have trained our brains to constantly flit around the universe of messages and information, seeking brief hits of excitement. Grazing ceaselessly, we never dig too deeply before moving on to the next distraction. This increases our stress levels in ways we are only starting to understand. When was the last time you enjoyed some uninterrupted downtime without feeling guilty and unproductive? Do you even take time to reflect and recharge? Avoiding burnout requires these:

(1) Recognising the signs. If you tweet and text people all day and yet you’re still lonely, technology may be dominating your life.

(2) Doing something about it. Make yourself unavailable for short periods and see what happens. The world won’t come to an end!

(3) Realising you have a choice. People who think they should be available twenty-four hours a day exaggerate their own importance, or the control others have over them.

(4) Establishing boundaries. Monitor your emails and text messages. Do you really need the constant notifications?

(5) Telling people, unless it’s truly urgent, you answer emails at designated times throughout the day.

(6) Setting a schedule and sticking with it. After a few minutes of surfing the internet, ask yourself, ‘Should I be doing this now?’ Jesus said, ‘Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest.’ Why? Because when you don’t rest, you fall apart!

Nollywood thing I think!

PlayMaker14:
They did not take their only brother along with them?

this is deep

You will get through this

Fri, 11 Nov 2022

‘I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.’ Psalm 16:8

When praying doesn’t seem to bring the answer, the question becomes, ‘How do I get through this?’ The Bible addresses this by telling us, ‘We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame.’ (Hebrews 12:2 NLT) The reason Jesus was able to endure His suffering was because He focused on the joy of pleasing the Father, building the church, and reaching the world.

Here is how David got through hard times: ‘I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.’ (Psalm 16:8–9 NLT) So instead of denying reality or trying to white-knuckle your way through it, realise that the Lord is with you and draw from Him the strength you need.

It’s difficult to endure hardship at the best of times, but when you don’t understand why it can be frustrating. God doesn’t give us lengthy explanations about how He works. Continue to seek an answer in His Word, or through prayer and the counsel of others and remember God promises that He will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) So be encouraged; you will get through this!

Nigeria daa?

RAW FAITH SERIES: HORATIO SPAFFORD SAW LIFE IN DEATHS, WITH JESUS NOTHING IS LOST.

Horatio Gates Spafford born on October 20, 1828 in New York was a prominent American lawyer and a church elder.

He wrote the famous hymn It Is Well With My Soul following a family tragedy in which his four daughters died aboard the S.S. Ville du Havre on a transatlantic voyage.

On September 5, 1861 he married Anna Larsen of Stavanger, Norway in Chicago. Spafford was a lawyer and a senior partner in a large law firm.

The Spafford like Crosby was a good friend to the great evangelist Dwight L. Moody.

Spafford invested in real estate north of Chicago in the spring of 1871.

In October 1871, the Great Fire of Chicago reduced the city to ashes, destroying most of Spafford's investment.

Exactly 2 years after the devastation of the Great Chicago Fire the family planned a trip to Europe.

Some business demands (zoning issues arising from the Fire) kept Spafford from joining his wife and four daughters on a family vacation in England where his friend D. L. Moody would be preaching.

Some people are quick to withdraw their service to God and support for church at the sight of life's trouble but not Horatio Spafford.

On November 22, 1873, while crossing the Atlantic on the steamship Ville du Havre, the ship was struck by an iron sailing vessel killing 226 people, including all of Spafford's daughters.

His wife, Anna, survived the tragedy. Upon arriving in England, she sent a telegram to Spafford that read "Saved alone."

As Spafford sailed to England to join his wife, he wrote "It Is Well with My Soul."

Just imagined a man who lost all, turning his pain into comfort for others.

Just like the faith of Paul who was encouraging the church from prison.

In his grieve he looked to Jesus and His word.

It takes faith to remain calm in the midst of life's trouble.

Papa Oyedepo called it confidently restful.

Horatio later had three children after the tragedy that took his four daughters.

On October 16 1888 in Jerusalem he went to be with the Lord after battling malaria.

The faith that doesn't persevere is not of the gospel of the Lord Jesus.

History is full of men of old who didn't compromised their faith because of life's challenges.

One of the greatest error by the young generation of preachers is removing hymns from our meetings.

In pain, faith gives us strength.

Blessings.
A.T Joel

Let’s care for each other

Thu, 10 Nov 2022

‘There were no needy people among them.’ Acts 4:34

When we think about the New Testament church, we tend to focus on its power and growth. In Acts 2, three thousand people are won to Christ after Peter preaches. In Acts 3, a paralysed man who sat begging at the temple gate was healed through the ministry of Peter and John. In Acts 4, we read: ‘Many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of men who believed now totalled about 5,000.’ (Acts 4:4 NLT)

Preaching! Soul winning! Miracles! Growth! Exciting stuff.

But here is part of their story you must not miss: ‘All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.’ (Acts 4:32–37 NLT)

Yes, our top priority must be winning people to Christ and bringing them into spiritual maturity. But if we are to follow in the footsteps of the New Testament church, we must remember that we are called to take care of each other too.

Learn to listen

Wed, 9 Nov 2022

‘You should be quick to listen and slow to speak.’ James 1:19

In order to build good relationships, you must become a good listener. And in order to be a good listener, you must do these:

(1) Listen without interrupting. And that’s true, even when you know more than the person talking to you! Respect them enough to value what they say and listen attentively until they’re finished.

(2) Try to understand their point of view, feelings, thinking, and needs. In other words, listen to understand. Good listening is hearing what people actually think, mean, or feel, not what you imagine they should think, mean, or feel. Instead of guessing, politely ask, ‘Am I understanding you correctly? Do you mean…? Are you feeling…?’ Don’t assume—verify.

(3) Avoid rushing to conclusions. Listen without judging. If what they say doesn’t quite add up, keep listening. ‘He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.’ (Proverbs 18:13 NKJV) When you hear more, it may make sense.

(4) Refrain from putting them on the defensive. Listen without correcting, countering, or devaluing. Saying, ‘That’s not the way it was,’ or ‘What did you expect?’ or ‘You’re just being silly and too sensitive’ breaks real communication.

(5) Accept their perceptions and feelings as valid expressions of a valued person. Validate the speaker. By saying, ‘If I understand you correctly, you’re thinking… feeling… am I right?’ Ask them to help you get on the same page with them. Saying, ‘Given what you have told me, I can see why you would feel that way,’ will increase their willingness to consider your thoughts and accept the solutions you offer.

If you want to win people and influence them, learn to listen.

S.H.A.P.E. (5)

Tue, 8 Nov 2022

‘Then you will learn to know God’s will for you.’ Romans 12:2

The letter E stands for experience. How can you know God’s will for your life? Paul answers, ‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is.’ (Romans 12: 2 NIV) The word transform means to change in shape. How is a diamond formed? It’s the result of unrelenting pressure over a long period of time. Your life’s experiences will point you towards your life’s purpose. God never wastes pain!

‘I used to wander off until You disciplined me; but now I closely follow Your word… My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to Your decrees.’ (Psalm 119:67,71 NLT) How do we learn to do what’s right? By experiencing the pain of doing what’s wrong. Paul said, ‘Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.’ (Philippians 1:12 NIV) Then he adds: ‘I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.’ (Philippians 1:20–21 NIV)

The reverse side of a tapestry looks like a tangled mess of threads. But that’s what it takes to produce a picture of beauty, order, and value. Getting the idea? Re-examine your life’s experiences.

I'm sure if by any chance Nigeria is included in this list, we will eventually win the game. Already, there are some roads in Ota that will trash all the records above.

S.H.A.P.E. (4)

Mon, 7 Nov 2022

‘May He equip you with all you need for doing His will.’ Hebrews 13:21

The letter P stands for personality. Before a company hires a leader, they often do a personality profile to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Are you compassionate or competitive towards people? Do you have a hard-driving type personality, or do you have a more nurturing temperament? The worst thing you can do is envy someone else’s personality type and wish you were just like them. God didn’t make a mistake when He made you. God will help you to change your conduct and strengthen your character, but you can pray until you’re blue in the face and He won’t change your personality. Instead, He will help you to recognise it and maximise it. Before God assigns you, He designs you. He gives you the right personality to fulfil His plan for your life.

‘But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where He wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body... In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.’ (1 Corinthians 12:18–22 NLT)

So instead of putting yourself down or wishing you had a different temperament, remember what Psalm 139:13–14 NIV says; ‘For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.’

I'm sure you knew the man loved you all along.....but as you said, you broke his heart. Anyway, do what you think is right from your mind. Because his family deserve better from you now at their needy period.

S.H.A.P.E. (3)

Sun, 6 Nov 2022

‘I take joy in doing Your will, my God.’ Psalm 40:8

The letter A stands for abilities. The Bible says, ‘God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.’ (Romans 12:6 NLT) What is your dominant gift? You might think you don’t have any gifts, but we all have gifts. Your gift may be undiscovered, undeveloped, unused, underused, or even misused, but you have a gift. Have you ever heard the saying, ‘There is nothing so powerful as an idea whose time has come?

When you put together the right opportunity with the right gift at the right time, the results can literally blow your mind. It may seem like you’re spending your life just surviving. Then suddenly, a crisis arises, a situation occurs, or a door of opportunity opens, and you discover abilities that have lain dormant within you for years. Today you may feel locked into a situation with no way out, but God is a way-maker.

Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were Jews who were taken as slaves to Babylon. Talk about being locked into a situation with no way out! But the Bible says: ‘God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams.’ (Daniel 1:17 NLT) Does that mean you can just sit around and wait for success to be dropped into your lap? No, the old saying ‘opportunity knocks’ is actually not true. Opportunity awaits those who open the door and go out and look for it.

.....all this will not make Obasanjo to support your presidential ambition Atiku.

shantti:
Gas go dey finish quick nah.

Omihanifa:
The truth is that there no alternative. Except you want to be eating sweet potatoes

even the sweet potatoes gan self nko?
How did we end up like this in Nigeria Lord?

I don't even like any of them gan self.

Dayaa:
You are kind of right.
Poor Asians, Europeans and Americans don't reproduce excessively.

Asians? India nko? .....no be Asians dem be nii?

ecolime:
I wonder oo

a bi ooo