₦airaland Forum

15 JAN

2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

SET BOUNDARIES (4)

‘I can make it through anything…’

PHILIPPIANS 4:12

2013-01-15.


Flexible boundaries: Rigid boundaries cause you to shut other people out and live unprepared and ill-equipped for the give-and-take that healthy relationships require. Permeable boundaries leave you defenseless against ‘users’ who feel entitled to manipulate you and who expect to be taken care of at your expense. But flexible boundary people are competent for living their own life, yet with a balanced and healthy interest in others. They can be generous in sharing their time, compassion and resources, without becoming overly responsible, or betraying their God-given duty to be the unique person He made them, just to please others. They say, ‘I can be in a relationship with you, without giving up being me!’ They don’t let you violate their boundaries, and they know how to keep from violating yours. Unlike rigid people, they bend and adjust as circumstances require, without becoming overwhelmed, defensive, resentful, blaming or reactive. In tough situations they roll with the punches, stay focused and draw on a well of inner strength which God provides. Paul was such a person: ‘I've learned…to be…content whatever my circumstances…I can make it through (adjust to) anything in the One who makes me who I am’ (vv. 12-13 TM). People and circumstances don’t control them; they flex, and let God take charge. They are helpful, but they don’t feel guilty because they can’t ‘fix’ everybody. Their boundaries enable them to adjust to circumstances. They practise the principle, ‘Bear one another’s burdens…’ (Galatians 6:2 NKJV), without over-functioning or being responsible for others.

Leviticus 26-27 , Matthew 7:15-29, Psalm 74:12-23, Proverbs 2:7-8

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

NATURAL DISASTERS

MATT 6:11

Record-breaking droughts, floods and heat waves rarely make headlines, but recently they’ve occurred in every continent.  Essential crops have failed and many people have gone hungry.  Jesus taught us to pray for ‘daily bread’.  He also taught that we will be judged on whether we take care of people in need as if they were Him.  Pray that we recognise Jesus in the faces of hungry people, and pray ‘daily bread’ for all of us.

Flawless-diva,

It's actually a devotional not a book except you are refering to Charles Spurgeon 's book which I used in starting this thread . Thanks for your kind words !

Afam,

Where did you pick the idea for that topic ? Confess now before I do my worst ......

Welcome on board Odumchi and Ogugua . We pray your reign will bring Okija juju into ndigbo mainstream on NL .

----Did he actually die in Aso Rock in May 5,2010 or in Saudi Arabia hospital sometime in December 2009 ?

----Who authorised the use of military escort when his body was flown into the country in Feb 24,2010 ?

----Who signed the budget in Dec 2009 when Umaru Yaradua was incapacitated ?

----What roles did our book seller,Segun Adeniyi played in all this secrecy ?

Anyone with insider info and credible news on these questions should provide .

Thank you .

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

SET BOUNDARIES (3)

‘…Like a city with broken-down walls.’

PROVERBS 25:28

2013-01-14.



Permeable boundaries. Well-adjusted people find the right balance between protecting their personal space, and allowing others to infiltrate, manipulate and dominate them. They know how to say yes to what’s healthy and no to what’s not. Permeable boundary people, on the other hand, allow others to permeate their lives at will, siphon off their time and energy, dictate their options, and deprive them of other important relationships. Unable to say no, they permit others to make them feel guilty, obligated, uncaring, or even ‘unchristian’ if they withhold what’s demanded. They inconvenience themselves, their families and their friendships to facilitate the endless demands of the seemingly helpless, disempowered, irresponsible user, believing they are being kind and helpful. The ‘helper’s’ toll is immense, often leading to emotional, physical, social and spiritual overload, while the ‘helpee’ feels increasingly dependent, irresponsible and entitled, not appreciating, and sometimes even resenting, the helper’s efforts. Permeable boundary people are unaware that their ‘open’ sign is always illuminated, attracting a deluge of other people’s needs they feel personally responsible for. They carry the weight of much that’s wrong in the world, feeling exhausted, anxious, inadequate and guilty, taking it personally that they can’t do more and fix things. And it leaves them feeling ‘used’. ‘A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.’ Understand this: You can’t take charge of your own life while you’re overwhelmed feeling responsible for other people’s lives. Set some boundaries, and live the life God gave you to live!

Leviticus 23:26 - 25:55 , Matthew 7:1-14, Psalm 74:1-11, Proverbs 2:6

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

NEW US PRESIDENT

1 TIM 2:1-2

The new US President will be sworn in on 20th January.  One of the most urgent issues in his in-tray will be climate change.  Both Barack Obama and Mitt Romney previously promised action but were prevented by politics.  Pray that the new President, whoever it is, will have the ability and courage to pursue policies that take care of God’s creation, create an all-party consensus for action, and inspire other world leaders to do the same.

With my two visits to Osogbo,I'll say Aregbesola has not'WOW' me .

@Gbawe,pls ,can you answer this question with all sincerity ? Who killed Funsho William ?

If by becoming one is to present the likes of Buhari,Tinubu or even Shekarau as their presidential candidate,then the alliance shall fail .
Let them give us the likes of Ribadu,Utomi,Oshiomhole,Fashola and see if we won't dump GEJ and vote for this alliance .

If by becoming one is to present the likes of Buhari,Tinubu or even Shekarau as their presidential candidate,then the alliance shall fail .
Let then give us the likes of Ribadu,Utomi,Oshiomhole,Fashola and see if we won't dump GEJ and vote for this alliance .

You only need to go through posts on this thread and you'll discover the reason why we have high rate of divorce in Nigeria . What relevance is the beauty of a lady or the handsomeness of a guy to his character ? To me,character and humility are key in deciding who I wanna spend the rest of my life with .

Buhari,are you the ONLY one ? Aren't you tired ? Must you be president the second time like OBJ ? Can't you support younger folks like Ribadu,ElRufai even if you think ONLY north can salvage Nigeria ?
Please,spare us the blood that MUST flow if you contest again in 2015 cos you'll surely lose . It's not a curse . You cannot be president again !

One day,just one day God will raise honest leaders for us in this nation !

Sahara reporter of lies !

Were they the only media house there ?

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

SET BOUNDARIES (2)

‘…Its parts should have equal concern for each other.’

1 CORINTHIANS 12:25

2013-01-13.

When you buy a house, you need clearly marked boundary lines to let you know what’s yours and what’s not. Good boundaries make good neighbours. The Bible says, ‘Seldom set foot in your neighbour’s house—too much of you, and they will hate you’ (Proverbs 25:17 NIV). So, how close is too close? Let’s look at three kinds of boundaries we establish between ourselves and others. Rigid boundaries. These are designed to keep others at arms’ length and protect your private, self-absorbed world. Without saying a word, your attitude says: ‘Keep out, trespassers will be prosecuted!’ Why do we create such boundaries? Fear! We fear being known, controlled, hurt, or feeling inadequate and inferior. And our rigidity prevents intimacy. Our unwillingness to be vulnerable or to compromise leaves us defensive, isolated and lonely. Closeness and intimacy are things we long for, yet fear and avoid. We think, ‘You can’t hurt me if I keep you at a safe distance.’ But it doesn’t work. God designed us to share life’s victories and defeats, not to live in isolation. We are to ‘…have equal concern for each other. If one part [person] suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it’ (1 Corinthians 12:25-26 NIV). Rigid boundaries rob you of life-enriching relationships. ‘So what’s the answer?’ you ask. Reach out! You were created to give to others, and to receive what they have to give back to you. In giving you are fulfilled, and in receiving you are made complete. Anything less is just existing.

Exodus 20:4-6 , Deuteronomy 7:17 - 8:2, Isaiah 40:18-31, Colossians 3:5-10

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

PRAYER & ME

1 COR 12:25

Have you withdrawn from people lately because of fear, hurt or disappointment?  Have you raised walls of defensiveness and distance to protect yourself?  Prayer isn’t sniper-fire – shooting prayers at people from a safe distance; it’s relationship – being close enough to people to bless them and share life with them while we pray for them.  Don’t just pray for people today, resolve to reach out to them as well, trusting God to

12/01/2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY



SET BOUNDARIES (1)

‘All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’…’

MATTHEW 5:37


When does ‘a good thing’ become ‘too much’?  Can I help you, without hurting me? Can we share our lives, without me giving up mine? When do you truly need my help? When do I need to let go, and let you and God handle it? Finding the balance between ‘enough’ and ‘too much’ in relationships is a constant challenge and isn’t easy. Especially when your role tends to be, ‘all things, at all times, to all people’, and theirs is, ‘I’m helpless, you owe me, take care of me’; when you have no ‘no’ and they have no ‘yes’. Needing to be needed by needy people who always want someone to take care of them puts the needy person in the driver’s seat—and puts you over the edge. They are never happy, whatever you do. So you do more to make them feel happier and yourself feel less guilty, and you end up in a double bind. They resent you for not giving enough, and you resent them for not appreciating what you give. Yet neither of you knows how to break the cycle. So the relationship becomes what counsellors call a ‘more-of-the-same’ tangle where both parties resent and devalue the other, feeling stuck in a life-dominating trap you both fear to jettison. Marriages, families, friendships, workplaces, churches and social groups get trapped in this ‘victim-rescuer’ pattern where needy people and fixers become trapped  in a mutual dance they both ‘love to hate’, but won’t stop doing! Recognise yourself? If so, you’re moving toward a healthier, less toxic relationship.

ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TODAY
Leviticus 21:1 - 23:25 , Matthew 6:19-34, Psalm 71:17-24, Proverbs 2:3-5

THREE RULES FOR LIVING

‘…FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD.’

'WE WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT.'

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

PRAYER & ME

‘LET US NOT GROW WEARY WHILE DOING GOOD.’

1 COR 12:25

''I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU,' SAYS THE LORD. 'THEY ARE PLANS FOR GOOD...''

Have you withdrawn from people lately because of fear, hurt or disappointment?  Have you raised walls of defensiveness and distance to protect yourself?  Prayer isn’t sniper-fire – shooting prayers at people from a safe distance; it’s relationship – being close enough to people to bless them and share life with them while we pray for them.  Don’t just pray for people today, resolve to reach out to them as well, trusting God to ..

11 JAN

2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

PRACTISE PURE RELIGION!

‘Pure…religion before God…is this…’

JAMES 1:27

2013-01-11.

Jesus said about every act of kindness you show toward someone who’s hurting or in need: ‘…You did it to Me’ (Matthew 25:40 NKJV). Wow! Maybe next time you’re too busy to show concern, that’ll make you stop and think. In answer to the question, ‘What must I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus told one man, ‘…Sell what you have and give it to the poor…[then] follow Me’ (Matthew 19:21 NKJV). This man could have blessed many others, and even been numbered among Christ’s disciples, but it didn’t happen because he was self-focused. Jesus told another story about a rich man who died and went to hell. Now, he didn’t go there because he was rich. The only sin he was charged with was selfishness. He allowed a poor man to sit on his doorstep with wounds untended, his body ill-clad, his stomach empty, and did nothing about it (Luke 16:19-31). On the other hand, Zacchaeus, who overcharged others in order to enrich himself, saw the folly of his ways, renounced selfishness and made a decision to follow Jesus (Luke 19:1-10). The story’s told of an angel visiting a wealthy man who happened to be on his deathbed. After the man listed all the things he’d like to take to heaven with him, the angel informed him, ‘You can only take what you have given away.’ Don’t wait until the eve of your departure to give; experience the joy and reward of it—now. ‘Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble.’ So today, practise pure religion!


⁠  

 

Leviticus 18-20 , Matthew 6:9-18, Psalm 71:1-16, Proverbs 2:1-2

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

NEIGHBOUR FRIDAY

ISA 40:30-31

Lord, I pray for all those of all ages living on my street who are weary with the pressures of life.  Renew their strength.  Lord, teach me to wait on You for the renewing of my own strength, so that Imay pray and work tirelessly to see my street changed. Make regular appointments with God, where your mobile is switched off and no one can contact you.  Take time to rest in Him and talk to Him.

This is the problem of Nigeria,reason why PDP will continue to take us for a ride because there is no credible opposition with likes of Unelectable Tinubu and Buhari is who DESPERATE to become president when he could have supported young folks like Fashola,Utomi,Ribadu !

ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TODAY

‘…Epaphroditus…ministered to my need.’

PHILIPPIANS 2:25


When people are hurting, they need your support until they can get back on their feet again. Medical researchers have developed a bone-bonding compound that illustrates this. It looks like toothpaste. Once injected into the body it hardens in ten minutes. In twelve hours it reaches the compression strength of natural bone. A study in the journal, Science, found the compound virtually identical to natural bone crystals. It so closely resembles real bone that the body doesn’t reject it. Weeks after being injected into the body, the cement is replaced by real bone. According to the Associated Press, clinical trials ‘show the material has allowed patients to discard casts early—or altogether—and to resume walking more quickly and with less pain.’ Epaphroditus is introduced by Paul as ‘…my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier…and the one who ministered to my need…Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me’ (vv. 25-30 NKJV). You ask, ‘What was Paul lacking?’ Encouragement! And who brought it? ‘Epaphroditus, a brother, a fellow worker, and a soldier.’ Epaphroditus worked side by side with Paul and he fought for him. What an asset he was! We look for such people in times of crisis because they lift us. So today ask God to make you an encourager whose words and actions bring comfort and support to others. There is no greater calling!

 



TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

FUNDING FOR MENTORING

1 CHRON 29:14

It costs money and takes time to train someone to be a mentor in a school.  In a society where money and time are often both in short supply, pray that funding will continue to be released for this vital service, and that people will be increasingly willing to give of their time to help young people find their way through life.  Pray particularly that Young people won’t be let down by existing schemes losing fund

THIS YEAR, LIVE BY THE BEATITUDES (

‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake...’

MATTHEW 5:10





In Yellowstone National Park there’s an interesting tree called a Lodgepole pine. Its cones can hang on for years before falling off. Even then they remain tightly closed. They open only when they are in contact with intense heat. Whenever forest fires are raging and all the trees are being destroyed, the heat opens these particular pine cones. As a result, they are the first to assist nature in repopulating the forest. Jesus said to His disciples: ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’ There’s potential in each of us that’s only released when we’re under pressure or in a fiery trial. Job discovered this when God permitted satan to test him. Job lost everything he had, including his children. And to add insult to injury, he was forced to endure the scorn of his wife and friends because of his unwavering faith. When it was over, Job, who got back twice as much as he lost, prayed, ‘I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You’ (Job 42:5 NKJV). It’s one thing to hear how God works based on somebody else’s experience, it’s another to see it first hand when you’re wondering, ‘What did I do to deserve this?’ or asking, ‘If God’s really there, why am I here?’ Why? 1) Because it’s in the fire that you discover new aspects of God’s care and character. 2) What turns worthless carbon into diamonds? Heat! Pressure! 3) In the fire you discover that when others abandon you, God remains faithful.

Leviticus 11:1 - 13:37 , Matthew 5:27-37, Psalm 42:6-11, Proverbs 1:24-28

He should come aand prove himself in Italy or England .

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

THIS YEAR, LIVE BY THE BEATITUDES (6)

‘Blessed are the pure in heart...’

MATTHEW 5:8




Make your heart ‘a controlled environment’, because what happens there determines how you respond to life. When it comes to people, pastimes and pursuits, don’t open yourself to anything that has the potential to take you captive, or to make you cynical and cold-hearted. If you do, you’ll shut yourself off from God’s blessing. In his book ‘Next Door Saviour’, Max Lucado writes: ‘The countryside was flat and predictable, that’s why the refinery stood out like a science-fiction city. The function of that maze of machinery is defined by its name. A refinery takes whatever comes in and purifies it, so that it’s ready to go out. It does for petroleum what your heart should do for you—removes the bad and utilises the good. Jesus said, “The good man brings good things out of the good stored in his heart…” (Luke 6:45 NIV). So here are some questions you need to ask yourself, “When I’m criticised or ignored do I bite back, or bite my tongue? When I’m on overload do I blow my top, or stay cool? When I hear gossip do I entertain it, silence it or spread it? When somebody offends me do I harbour a grudge, or choose to forgive?” It all depends on the condition of your heart.’ When your heart has been purified you’ll begin to see God in people, places and situations you never noticed Him at work in before. Knowing firsthand the dangers of spiritual heart disease, the Psalmist wrote: ‘Create in me a clean heart, O God…’ (Psalm 51:10 NLT). If you need a spiritual catharsis, spend time in the presence of God.

Exodus 20:1-3 , Deuteronomy 6:1-9, Mark 12:28-34, Revelation 2:1-7

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

PRAYER

MATT 5:8

Gracious God of Forgiveness, I lay my heart open before You today, with all its strengths and its flaws.  I want a heart that mirrors Yours – dreams and passions and longings that reflect Your beauty and purity.  Clean out my heart today, I pray; wash away what is impure and untrue.  Give me a heart that beats with Your love and Your life.  And as I tune my heart to Yours, help me to see You more clearly.

Thanks !

I want to change the title of an existing thread I created . How do I go about it ?

JANUARY 06,2013

NOW THE EVENING BEFORE THE MAN ARRIVED,THE HAND OF THE LORD WAS UPON ME. EZEKIEL 33 : 22

"The hand of the Lord " may come upon me as a work of His judgement ,and if this is the case ,it would be wise for me to consider the reason for such a visitation and then submit to the rod of correction and Him who ordained it .Surely I am not the person to be chastened in the dark "evening" of life ,so may I cheerfully submit to the affliction and seek to profit from it .

The hand of Lord ,however may come upon me in another manner ,strenthening my soul and lifting my spirit upward to eternal things . Oh ,that I may experience the Lord dealing with me in this ways ! A sense of His divine presence and indwelling spirit lifts the soul toward heaven, causing it to soar on wings like eagles isaiah 40 : 31. . At such time we are filled with spiritual joy and forget the cares and sorrows of earth ; the invisible is so near and the visible loses its power over us , our fleshly body lingers at the foot of the hill ,while our spirit worships atop the summit in the presence of the Lord .

Oh,that such a blessed holy time of divine communion may be granted me even now ! The Lord knows I severely needs it ,for my gifts are withering ,my depravity rages within me ,my faith is weak and devotion is cold - all reasons why I need His healing hand upon me .His hand can cool the heat of my burning brow and calm the turmoil of my pounding heart . His glorious right hand that moulded the world can recreate my mind ,the untiring hand that holds the pillars of earth can sustain my spirit ,the loving hand that embraces all the saints can cherish me and the mighty hand that breaks the enemy into pieces can subdue my sins . Why shouldn't I feel that hand touching me even now ?

Come my soul address your God with a powerful plea ,asking that you may sense the same hands that were pieced for your redemption being laid upon you . Ask to feel the same hand upon you that once touched Daniel and sent him to his knees that he might see visions of God .

JANUARY 05.2013

GOD SAW THAT THE LIGHT WAS GOOD GENESIS 1 : 4

Today let us consider the special view God had of the light He created . " God saw .....the light " . He looked at it with a sense of satisfaction ,gazed on it with pleasure ,and saw that it "was good " . And if the Lord has given you light,dear reader, He looks on the light with special interest ,for it is dear to Him because it is His handiwork and because it is like Him ,for " God is light ". 1 John 1 : 5 .

It is pleasing to know God's eyes tenderly observe the work of grace He has begun in us ,and to know He never loss sight of "this treasure" He has placed in us , who are " jars of clay " 2 corinthian 4 : 7 . Sometimes we cannot see the light in us ,but God always sees it ,and that is much better . It is better for the judge to see my innocence than for me to think I see it . It brings me great comfort to know I am one of God's people . But whether I know it or not , as long as the Lord knows it ,I am safe .The foundation of this truth is this " The Lord knows those who are his " 2 Timothy 2 : 19 .

Perhaps you weep with regret over your sinfulness and mourn over your inner darkness ,but remember ,the Lord sees light in your heart because He placed it there , and all the cloudiness and gloom of your soul cannot hide your light from His gracious eyes . You may have sunk into despondency ,even despair but if your soul has any longing for Christ and if you are truly seeking to rest in His finished work,God sees the light .

In fact ,He not only sees it but He also preserves it in you . " I , the Lord ,watch over it.....I guard it day and light " Isaiah 27 : 3 . What a precious thought to those who ,after anxiously attempting to watch over and guard themselves,feel their powerlessness to do so . This light ,thus preserved by His grace ,God will someday develop into brilliance of the noonday sun and the fullness of His glory . The light with us is simply the dawn of the eternal day .

Sorry guys,it's coming late today !

Joke of the century !!! Dem no born Tinubu papa well make him present his wife as ACN candidate in 2014 .

JANUARY 04,2013



ALTHOUGH JOSEPH RECOGNISED HIS BROTHERS,THEY DID NOT. RECOGNISE HIM GENESIS 42:8

 

We often consider the need for growth in our knowledge of the Lord Jesus ,but let us now consider a related topic namely ,the knowledge our heavenly “Joseph” has of us . Actually, His knowledge of us was absolutely perfect long before we had even the slightest knowledge of Him . “Your eyes saw my unformed body . All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be “ (Psalm 139:16 ) .

 

Before we had a place in the world ,we had a place in his heart . When we were still His enemies, He knew us; He knew our misery ,our madness and our wickedness .When we wept bitterly in despairing repentance

And saw Him only as a judge and ruler ,He viewed us as his well-beloved family and His heart yearned for us . He never mistook His chosen ones for others ,but always beheld them as objects of His infinite affection. “The Lord knows those are his” (2 timothy 2:19 ) is as true of a prodigal who “feeds pigs”(Luke 22:30 ).

 

Alas, we did not know our royal Brother ,and out of this ignorance grew a multitude of sins ! We withheld our heart from Him and allowed Him no entrance to our love . We mistrusted Him and gave no credence of His words .we rebelled against Him and paid Him no loving honor . “The sun of righteousness “ (Malachi 4: 2 ) shone forth, but we could not see Him . Heaven came down to earth ,but earth did not perceive it.

 

May God be praised that those days are over for us ,although even now we know so little of Jesus compared with what He knows of us .We have only begun to study Him ,while He knows us completely .It is blessing ,however ,that the ignorance is not on His part ,for then we would be a hopeless case indeed .As His children ,He will never say to us “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23 ) ,but instead will “acknowledge our name “ (Rev 3:5 ) on the day of “his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:1 ) .And meanwhile He will reveal Himself to us in ways He will never do for the world

I will personally compaign against ACN in 2015 . The domineering of Tinubu MUST come to an end in Lagos . Thank God it has started in Ondo .Imagine ACN coming third in Ondo state ?
Next state to watch is Osun and finally Lagos where Tinubu's empire will collapse finally .....

We'll both be here the day Lagosians collectively vote Tinubu and his ACN out of power .