₦airaland Forum

God knows what’s ‘good’ for us (2)

Mon, 21 Apr 2025

‘All things work together for good to those who love God … who are the called according to His purpose.’ Romans 8:28

Canadian Christian musician Carolyn Arends writes: ‘Our expectations are not just unrealistic, they’re anti-Gospel … Many of us … distort His promise of abundant life into something that resembles the illusion advertisers sell us every day. How do we resist our sense of entitlement and the distorted expectations that are so deeply ingrained?

1) Check the Definitions. When I read that God “works all things together for good”, (see Romans 8:28) I think of the marketers’ definitions … that ‘good’ means ‘easy’, ‘youthful’, ‘desirable’, and ‘wealthy’. God defines ‘good’ in entirely different terms. New Testament Christians seemed to believe the greatest good is to become more like Jesus. They took it for granted … the process wouldn’t be easy … that the ‘good’ God is working towards is much more expansive than one individual’s personal circumstances. God is establishing His kingdom … “reconciling all things to himself” (see Colossians 1:20), and the ultimate good … is to be included in that process … My heavenly father knows more than I do about what I need … His definition of ‘blessing’ is different from mine. 2) Re-evaluate Death: I can point to ‘dead ends’ in my career, or relationships that turned out to be opportunities to change direction. When I think of the energy I’ve expended resisting endings, I wonder what new life I’ve missed. Jesus tells us to die so we can live … to surrender all the illusions about what makes a life good … And then He walks with us … as we die a thousand deaths in the process of letting His life go deeper … into us.’

Jesu 🙆

Titanic 113: April 14, 1912 As the clock neared 12, the next shift would begin preparing by itself to get on duty, surely they would’ve been getting dressed warmly and having a bite to eat before they went on duty. Some accounts report that by this time a slight haze had settled on the horizon whereas just a couple minutes before, the stars could be seen setting all the way down to the horizon. Suddenly, at 11:39, Frederick Fleet and Reginald Lee spot an object in the distance through the silhouette it created on the backdrop of stars. Frederick Fleet rings the bell three times and calls the bridge up. Sixth officer Moody picks the phone up and Frederick Fleet utters the now iconic three words: “Iceberg right ahead!” Almost simultaneously 1st Officer Murdoch also sighted the berg and ordered the helm hard to starboard (meaning turn the ship to port) and ordered the engines to stop. Everyone present would’ve held their breath for the next 37 seconds as Titanic’s bow began turning to port. The bow would only end up turning two points by the time it reaches the iceberg that hit with a glancing blow. At this point the iceberg had opened up small seams in Titanic’s plates in six watertight compartments. Titanic could float with four. Immediately after the collision, different people would go down to inspect the damage. By 11:55 the Post Office had already flooded. The postal clerks had tried to save the mail bags by carrying them to the deck above; however their efforts were fruitless. Many passengers had noticed that the ship’s engines had stopped and had come out to inquire. However only a few moments after the collision, they were set to “Slow Ahead” again During this time, Thomas Andrews was seen rushing down to inspect what the damage was. Chunks of Ice were seen down in the well deck and passengers were seen playing with them. At 11:56 p.m. Titanic’s engines were shut down for the last time.

Amen & amen in Jesus name 🙏

Happy Easter to all Nairalanders!!!

Don't you get tired nii? 🤔

God knows what’s ‘good’ for us (1)

Sun, 20 Apr 2025

‘For it was the Father’s good pleasure … to reconcile all things to Himself … through the blood of His cross.’ Colossians 1:19-20

Our definition of ‘good’ is different from God’s. ‘For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.’ (Colossians 1:19-20 NASB20)

Canadian Christian musician Carolyn Arends writes: ‘During a jubilant Easter service, our pastor said something that stopped me in my mental tracks: “The world offers promises full of emptiness. But Easter offers emptiness full of promise.” Empty cross, empty tomb, empty grave clothes … all full of promise. If I were writing the Easter story, I don’t think I’d choose emptiness as my symbolic gesture. But then, I also wouldn’t be talking about strength being made perfect in weakness (see 2 Corinthians 12:9), foolish things confounding the wise (see 1 Corinthians 1:27), the meek inheriting the earth (see Matthew 5:5), or the poor in spirit getting … the kingdom of heaven (see Matthew 5:3). And I certainly wouldn’t be talking about dying in order to live (see John 12:24) … I don’t understand the way God thinks. But on those days when I feel hollowed out and broken … it makes me glad to remember that for Easter people, even death is full of promise … I’m writing this … during a particularly long Good Friday season in my own life. My mom is battling cancer, and I’d be lying if I said I was able to … “count it all joy” … I pray for healing and hope desperately it will come here on earth … I vacillate wildly between … faith and doubt, openness, and bitterness. But … we do not suffer alone, because the God of the universe wore our skin and died our death and removed its sting forever … And even when I’m … sad, I look at my mom and remember: without Good Friday, there would be no Easter morning. So, I pray through the night, and I wait for the resurrection.’

Happy Easter.

Omashe oooo.

We are waiting to see

Do you believe this?

Sat, 19 Apr 2025

‘“I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in Me will live, even after dying.”’ John 11:25

American pastor Chuck Swindoll tells about a couple whose marriage had been a fifty-year battle. When the husband died, the wife contacted a stonemason to arrange a gravestone. She told him, ‘I don’t want to be fancy or spend a lot of money. Just engrave the words: TO MY HUSBAND in a suitable place on the stone.’ She went to visit his grave and, to her horror, read these words: ‘TO MY HUSBAND … IN A SUITABLE PLACE.’ Swindoll writes: ‘A humorous story helps mask the pain and confusion surrounding death, but in the end, the laughter stops because death still comes. Humour, as good as it makes us feel, is powerless to stop the grim reaper.

Remember the bumper sticker: “Don’t take life too seriously, you won’t get out alive”? Well, the truth is, we should take life and death seriously because we do get out alive. We all face life after death because we all have eternal souls. We’ll live forever somewhere. The question is where. And the ‘where’ depends on how we answer this question of Jesus: ‘“… Anyone who believes in Me … will never ever die. Do you believe this …?” (see John 11:25-26 NLT) Jesus alone has the power of resurrection. And our assurance of spending forever with Him in heaven depends on our response. If we say, ‘Yes’, by asking Jesus to forgive our sins and commit to following Him as Lord, then and only then do we have His power for living at our disposal … only then can we face life’s end with a calm … joyous expectation.’

Double jeopardy

Fri, 18 Apr 2025

‘Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ Romans 5:1

In the legal system, there is something known as ‘the law of double jeopardy’. It means that, except in some very specific circumstances, you can’t be tried twice for the same crime. Now, let’s apply this principle to your salvation. Jesus has already been tried and punished for your sins—all of them! So don’t let Satan, the accuser, convince you that God will also punish you for them and send you to hell.

Christ’s last words on the cross, ‘It is finished,’ (see John 19:30) are translated in the Greek text as ‘paid in full’. All your sins—past, present, and future—were atoned for at Calvary. Think of the word ‘finished’. Imagine a master carpenter putting the finishing touches to a beautiful table. Would you take a wood plane and say, ‘I think I can make this look a little better and give it a little more value?’ The carpenter would say, ‘Stop; if you touch it, you will ruin it!’ And they would be right. The same goes for your salvation. You can add nothing to it, but by trying to merit it by your performance and good works, you can definitely take something away from it. The word justified simply means declared or made righteous in the sight of God. The moment you place your trust in Christ as your Saviour, that’s how God sees you. ‘Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God’ (Romans 5:1-2 NKJV). How can you stand before God clothed in grace? By faith in Christ alone and nothing else.

Embracing uncertainty and following God

Thu, 17 Apr 2025

‘"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD.’ Isaiah 55:8

A part of us feels as if something is spiritually wrong with us when we experience uncertainty. But that is precisely what Jesus promised us when we are born of the Spirit and start following Him. ‘The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit’ (John 3:8 NLT). When it comes to being led by God’s Spirit, the operative phrase is ‘You can’t explain how.’ Even when you have given your best thinking to the problem, the Bible says, ‘"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD.’ (Isaiah 55:8 NASB20).

So, when you follow God, anything can happen. You never know who you will meet, where you will go, or what you will do. And the sooner you come to terms with that spiritual reality, the more you will enjoy the journey. To do otherwise is to end up with a self-absorbed spirituality that leaves you feeling empty. Instead of following the Spirit, you’re inviting the Spirit to follow you. Instead of serving God’s purposes, you want Him to serve your purposes. While this may seem like a subtle distinction, it makes an ocean of difference. Here are your choices: 1) Follow the path of certainty, which keeps you in control but robs you of the adventure God has in mind. 2) Accept the uncertainty of the ‘how’ and ‘when’ that comes from following God and stand on this promise: ‘They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness’ (Lamentations 3:23 NKJV).

Life

.......and what happened when the soup is done and the rice is only half cooked? 😞

Change your routine

Wed, 16 Apr 2025

‘I will lead them in paths they have not known.’ Isaiah 42:16

As attested by the law of requisite variety, the continued existence of any system requires the ability to cultivate variety in its internal structures. In physical exercise, for example, routines eventually become useless. If you exercise the same way each time you work out, your muscles begin adapting and stop developing. You have to change your routine. You have to disorient them. This is true spiritually.

One author writes: ‘When I’m in a spiritual slump, nine times out of ten, something sacred has become routine. I’m sure it differs by personality, but one of the ways I snap out of a spiritual slump is by disturbing my routine and experimenting with spiritual disciplines. Sometimes all it takes is a small change in routine. Volunteer at a local homeless shelter. Start keeping a gratitude journal. Get plugged into a small group or Bible study. Take a day off and do a personal retreat. Or just get up a little earlier in the morning and spend a little extra time with God. One of the small changes in routine that has helped me rejuvenate my devotional times is picking up a new translation of Scripture. New words help me think new thoughts.’ In order to grow spiritually, you need consistency, structure, and discipline. But when you go through a spiritual dry spell, try changing your spiritual routine. Instead of doing things the way you have always done them, try doing things differently. ‘I will lead them in paths they have not known.’ God doesn’t change, but He moves! And in order to get to where God wants to take you, you must be willing to move with Him.

Fear is the enemy of growth

Tue, 15 Apr 2025

‘Tell the children of Israel to go forward.’ Exodus 14:15

If you want to grow, you need to get over any fear you may have of making mistakes. American author and professor Warren Bennis stated, ‘A mistake is simply another way of doing things.’ So, expect to make mistakes along the way, and embrace them as a sign that you are going in the right direction.

With the Red Sea in front of them and Pharaoh’s chariots behind them, the children of Israel panicked. ‘And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward”’ (Exodus 14:15 NKJV). When they did, the Red Sea became a pathway to victory and a burial ground for the enemy they feared. If you have to find ‘the best way’ or ‘the perfect way’, you will never get anywhere. It’s like driving on an unknown road at night. Ideally, you would like to see your entire route before you start out. Instead, you see it little by little. As you keep going, a little more of the road is revealed to you. So, if you want to see more of the way, get moving. Make a commitment to yourself to start on your growth plan and keep at it for at least twelve months. If you do, you will develop a love for the process, and at the end of the year, you will be able to see how far you have come. ‘“Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; do not spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes. For you shall expand to the right and to the left, and your descendants will inherit the nations, and make the desolate cities inhabited’ (Isaiah 54:2-3 NKJV).

Keep trusting God

Mon, 14 Apr 2025

‘Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.’ Job 13:15

The story of Job reads like this: Chapter 1, he is one of the wealthiest men in his generation. Chapter 2, he loses everything, including his health, his wealth, and his children. Chapter 42, he is back on top again. Wouldn’t you like to know what happened from chapters 3 through 41? If so, you should read the book of Job and find out how he had it all, lost it all, got it all back, and ended up with twice as much as he lost.

Did Job have unanswered questions? Lots of them. Did he experience grief? Yes, to a depth that is hard to imagine. But Job never changed his mind about God, and God never changed His about Job. This Scripture best summarises Job’s attitude: ‘Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him’ (Job 13:15 NKJV). If you’re stuck at a place you don’t understand right now, don’t give up—on God or yourself. When you don’t understand your circumstances, and it feels like they’re more than you can bear, stand on this great Bible promise: ‘You will keep Him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because He trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength’ (Isaiah 26:3-4 NKJV). Trusting God does not mean He will answer all your questions, but that He will give you ‘perfect peace’ regardless of the circumstances. Trusting God does not mean that you won’t struggle, but that He will give you ‘everlasting strength’. So, the word for today is—keep trusting God, and He will bring you through this.

Use your gifts in ministry to others

Sun, 13 Apr 2025

‘For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.’ Romans 11:29

When God gives us a spiritual gift, He doesn’t take it back. ‘For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable’ (Romans 11:29 NKJV). And if God does not, we must not! Paul writes: ‘Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so that you also won't be tempted. Carry one another's burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself’ (Galatians 6:1-3 CSB). When a brother or sister in Christ goes astray, the Bible tells us what we must do; lovingly confront them, gently correct and counsel them, and cover them.

The Bible says, ‘… love will cover a multitude of sins’ (1 Peter 4:8 NKJV). Now the word ‘cover’ doesn’t mean ‘cover up’; it means provide a place of shelter and restoration where they can be made whole. Is restoring someone sometimes messy? Yes, especially if they have hurt others and brought embarrassment to the family of God. But that’s the point—they are still our spiritual family! The world is watching to see how we handle this. If we throw away those among us who stumble, why would the world turn to us for help? Jesus healed a blind man by rubbing clay in his eyes and telling him to go and wash it off in the pool of Siloam. How far away was the pool? We don’t know. But he needed someone to hold his hand and walk with him until he reached it, and his sight was restored. And that’s what we have been called to do.

ImpartialGuy:
I love Switzerland too, but to enter that country go dey harder than entering America.

once you get any Schengen Visa, you are good to go

Expect to ‘wrestle’

Sat, 12 Apr 2025

‘For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,’ Ephesians 6:12

The new birth brings a new battle between your regenerate spirit and your unregenerate body, which still craves old desires and clings to old proclivities. Paul describes this graphically as a wrestling match. ‘For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand’ (Ephesians 6:12-13 NKJV).

The winner in a wrestling match is the one still standing when it’s over. So, picture a wrestling match, and you will get an idea of what you’re up against each day. Two fighters going toe to toe, until one wins and the other loses. To prepare themselves, they practise for hours. Each knows they need two things to win: strength and a strategy. But they need more; they need determination and endurance. And each knows one more very important thing—never underestimate your opponent! ‘Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world’ (1 Peter 5:8-9 NKJV). Here are two scriptural truths you need to live by in order to walk in victory. First, don’t try to overcome Satan in your own strength, or you will lose. Second, don’t let down your guard even for a moment, or you will lose. Paul writes, ‘Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices’ (2 Corinthians 2:11 NKJV). So, expect to ‘wrestle’, and expect to win.

You are called to be salt and light

Fri, 11 Apr 2025

‘You are the salt of the earth … You are the light of the world.’ Matthew 5:13-14

Jesus gave us two everyday metaphors so that we could clearly understand how He wants us to serve and represent Him each day. Let’s look at each of them.

1) Salt. The only thing that can threaten salt is sitting in a shaker so long that it gets damp, loses its flavour, and can’t be sprinkled. Jesus said, ‘“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men’ (Matthew 5:13 NKJV). The word ‘flavour’ means to enrich. It’s not enough to enjoy good preaching and rich insights from your Bible reading; you’re called to share and sprinkle them on others. 2) Light. Instead of isolating yourself from the world, you’re supposed to illuminate it. Darkness is not a threat to light; it’s where the light does its best work. Jesus said: ‘“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven’ (Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV). The word Gospel means ‘the good news’. In a world of increasing despair, you are called to bring the light of the Gospel to those living in spiritual darkness. So, the word for today is—be salt and light.

‘Throw it down’

Thu, 10 Apr 2025

‘Then the Lord asked him, “What is that in your hand?”’ Exodus 4:2

The Bible says: ‘Then the Lord asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied. “Throw it down on the ground,” the Lord told him. So Moses threw down the staff, and it turned into a snake! Moses jumped back. Then the Lord told him, “Reach out and grab its tail.” So Moses reached out and grabbed it, and it turned back into a shepherd’s staff in his hand’ (Exodus 4:2-4 NLT). Then God instructed Moses to go back to Egypt and tell Pharaoh to set the children of Israel free. ‘And take your shepherd’s staff with you, and use it to perform the miraculous signs I have shown you’ (Exodus 4:17 NLT).

Moses’ shepherd’s staff represented his security. It gave him physical security from wild animals. It gave him financial security—his sheep were his financial asset. His staff also identified him as a shepherd. This experience marked the ending of one season in his life, and the beginning of another. The staff Moses threw down had been used to tend sheep, but the one he picked up would be used to part the waters of the Red Sea and lead God’s people to the promised land. Is God asking you to throw down that which represents your security and your identity? Don’t be afraid, do it! What you get back will be greater than anything you are asked to give up. The only way you find your new identity is by letting go of your old one. The only way you will find your security in Christ is by throwing down the human securities you cling to.

Pass it on to others

Wed, 9 Apr 2025

‘And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.’ 2 Timothy 2:2

What’s your goal in life? Survival, success, or succession? Some of us suffer from ‘duck syndrome’. We appear calm on the surface, but underneath we’re paddling furiously. We think, ‘I’m glad people around me don’t know how much I don’t know,’ and we keep them at a distance hoping they never find out. That’s not how God wants you to live, as the source of your own strength and wisdom.

David wrote, ‘… The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?’ (Psalm 27:1 NKJV). On the other hand, some of us strive for a self-centred form of success that begins and ends with us. Our philosophy is ‘look out for number one’. When that’s your goal, God cannot trust you with success because your motives violate every principle in His Word. God told Abraham, ‘… I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing’ (Genesis 12:2 NKJV). When your heart’s intent is to bless others, God will bless your endeavours. Jesus said, ‘“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain …”’ (John 15:16 NKJV). Part of God’s plan for your life is passing on to others what He has entrusted to you. There is no lasting success without a successor. That’s why Paul wrote, ‘And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.’ 2 Timothy 2:2 NKJV) So, the word for today is—pass it on.

merits:
I am one of them nobody can locate where I work or resides,I will never leave US and they can't find me.I am presently in NEW YORK.

liar....if true. Oya give us your home address before we believe you. 😁😁😁

Let’s respect our differences

Tue, 8 Apr 2025

‘Let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.’ Romans 14:19

Paul wouldn’t yield an inch when it came to standing on the central truths of Scripture. But when it came to traditions, personal opinions, and personal preferences, he said, ‘... Let each be fully convinced in his own mind’ (Romans 14:5 NKJV). Under the law of Moses, being circumcised was considered equal to having a covenant between you and God. So when Gentile believers joined the New Testament church, Jewish believers insisted they too must be circumcised. Not as babies, mind you, but as adults! Were these Jewish believers sincere? Absolutely. But they were sincerely misguided.

When this issue threatened to split the church, the apostles met in Jerusalem, prayed about the matter, and issued the following opinion: ‘For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:’ (Acts 15:28 NKJV). Any time a tradition or personal preference becomes equal in authority to God’s Word, we have gone too far. Have you been upset with someone who doesn’t agree with you on some nonessential point of doctrine? Have you been critical of someone whose opinion differs from yours? Perhaps in insisting on your list of dos and don’ts, you have forgotten the most important item on God’s list: that we exhibit love. Jesus said, ‘By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another’ (John 13:35 NKJV). Our hearts can be in unity even when our minds don’t agree. We can walk hand in hand, even when we don’t see eye to eye. As theologians often say, ‘In essential things, unity. In all things, charity!’

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Welcome home..........and home will be well with you in Jesus name 🙏

Welcome home

Dronedude:
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O pari 🙆

Goodvibes007:
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How to conquer the fear of failing

Mon, 7 Apr 2025

‘Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.’ Psalm 37:24

Every opportunity in life comes with two things: the possibility of succeeding, and the possibility of failing. When you reach the end of your life, your greatest regrets won’t be over your failures, but the opportunities you failed to seize because you were afraid of failing. So here are some principles to help you conquer the fear of failing:

1) Be willing to try and fail at something. And when it happens, tell people. Why? Because that’s how you discover failure isn’t fatal. 2) Find a project so big that you cannot do it without God’s help, then commit to it. 3) Socialise with some impulsive types. Observe how they take risks without dying. Seeing and imitating is a great way to learn. 4) The way we learn to take big steps of faith is by taking small steps of faith. Compliment someone you don’t know. Volunteer for an additional task at work. Go out of your way to help someone in need. 5) Declare war on perfectionism. Instead of waiting until you can do it perfectly, do your best and tell yourself, ‘That’s good enough for now.’ 6) Be afraid, and obey God anyway. You will never totally defeat your fears, but you can diminish them to where they have less control of your life. Here is a promise for you to stand on: ‘The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand’ (Psalm 37:23-24 NLT).