₦airaland Forum

"The fact is, less-than-perfect service is better than the best of intentions"

God does not look at our proficiency,skills and expertize in working for Him ,but He's looking at the heart of doing it,our purpose of serving i.e.to glorify Him or glorify ourselves and so even when we are struggling in our services to Him and does not do it to standard ,He's still delighted in our works !

26 SEPTEMBER 2014

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Simply Serving (3)

‘If you think you are too important to help…you are only fooling yourself.’

Galatians 6:3

26 September 2014

In his book ‘Swim With the Sharks’, leadership expert Harvey Mackay writes about Philip Pillsbury of the famous Pillsbury milling family: ‘The tips of three of his fingers were missing…the unmistakable mark of a journeyman grain miller, albeit a somewhat less-than-dexterous one. Philip Pillsbury had an international reputation as a connoisseur of fine foods…but to the troops his reputation as a man willing to do a hard, dirty job was the one that mattered…And you can be sure everyone was aware of it.’ Following in the footsteps of Jesus calls for being service-oriented, not self-absorbed. Often the reason we don’t volunteer is because we think we can’t do it as well as somebody else. We’ve made the mistake of making excellence an idol by buying into the philosophy, ‘If I can’t do it right, I won’t do it at all’. The fact is, less-than-perfect service is better than the best of intentions. If you’re not willing to do it imperfectly in the beginning, you’ll never get out of the starting gate. Almost everything we do is done poorly at first. That’s how we learn. God’s plan has always been to involve as many folks as possible, not have everything run by a few experts. The best of people make mistakes; it’s how you gain knowledge and develop character. The Bible says, ‘If you think you are too important to help…you are only fooling yourself.’ Sometimes you’re called to serve upward to those in authority; other times you’re called to serve downward to those in need. Either way, you’re serving God only when you’re willing to do what’s required.

 
Lev 16, Lev 23:26-32, Hebrew 9:1-14, Hebrew 13:11-16

25 SEP 2014

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Simply Serving (2)

‘Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.’

Mark 10:43

25 September 2014

Pilate had an opportunity to acquit Jesus of any wrongdoing, but instead he called for a basin and washed his hands of the entire matter. His attitude was, ‘I’m not getting involved.’ And a lot of people have that same attitude. But not Jesus. The night before His death He called for a basin of water and washed His disciples’ feet. He taught them: ‘Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant’ (Mark 10:42-43 NKJV). Peter objected because foot-washing was a duty designated to the lowest servant in Middle Eastern households, and he considered it beneath Christ’s dignity. Catherine Marshall writes: ‘We, the disciples, are to be the servants, I want to insist along with Peter. But Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me” (John 13:8 NKJV). This is a stunning and stupendous thought. Unless I can believe in this much love for me, unless I can and will accept Him by faith as my servant as well as my God, unless I can truly know that it’s my good He seeks…then I cannot have His companionship.’ This is so contrary to the world’s philosophy where everybody wants to lead and nobody wants to serve. But to be like Jesus is to be a servant, for that’s what He called Himself. Never have goals so lofty that they blind you to the needs of those around you. Without a servant’s heart, you’ll be tempted to use your gift for personal gain, or to exempt yourself from areas you consider beneath you. The truth is, the only way to serve God is by serving those He loves.

 

Col 3-4, Philemon, Luke 23:44-56, Ps 13, Pr 21:22-27

24 SEP 2014

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Simply Serving (1)

‘Through love serve one another.’

Galatians 5:13

24 September 2014

Bill Wilson builds Sunday schools in some of New York City’s worst areas. He has been stabbed and shot, and had team members killed. A Puerto Rican lady who could barely speak English said to him one day, ‘I want to do something for God, please.’ Bill said, ‘Okay, ride a different Sunday school bus every week and just love the kids.’ So she rode a different bus—Bill has dozens of them—and loved the children. After several months she became attached to one little boy. ‘I don’t want to change buses any more. I want to stay on this one,’ she told Bill. The boy came to Sunday school every week with his sister and sat on the lady’s lap, but never made a sound. She would repeatedly tell him, ‘I love you, and Jesus loves you.’ One day to her amazement, he turned around and stammered, ‘I…love you too.’ Then he gave her a big hug. That was at two-thirty on a Sunday afternoon. At six-thirty that night the boy was found dead in a dumpster under a fire escape. His mother had beaten him to death and thrown his body in the trash. ‘I love you, and Jesus loves you.’ Those were some of the last words that little boy heard in his short life—from the lips of a Puerto Rican woman who could barely speak English. Bill says, ‘Who among us is qualified to minister? Who among us even knows what to do? Not you; not me. But I ran to an altar once and got some fire and just went. So did this woman who couldn’t speak English. And so can you.’

Col 1-2, Luke 23:35-43, Ps 54, Pr 21:18-21

23 SEPTEMBER 2014

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Dealing with Church Conflict

‘God blesses those who work for peace.'

Matthew 5:9

23 September 2014

Dr Gary Fenton says church conflict is a lot like championship wrestling—not nearly as painful as it looks! As a leader, you need to recognise the difference between: 1) Disagreement and conflict. Conflict exists when a group is stuck and can’t make a decision. For example, two strong-willed church committee members had a spirited discussion, and the following morning a concerned young pastor met with them to iron out their differences. He asked them if they were ready to make a decision, or if their heated debate the night before had stopped them from moving on. After due consideration both conceded that while their discussion the previous night had resembled a street fight, it was more like TV’s Jeremy Kyle show: good theatre, but the participants don’t quit when things get heated! 2) Reconciliation and resolution. Resolution is about coming up with answers; it’s about bringing people into relational unity, not necessarily into agreement. The fact remains that while some issues will never be resolved, they can still be reconciled. It’s in the process of seeking resolution that you learn to compromise and find middle ground. 3) Being peaceful and being a peacemaker. A pastor who refused to get involved in church controversy was a constant no-show at board meetings. He justified his absence as ‘the desire to be peaceful’. But being peaceful and being a peacemaker aren’t the same. Peacemakers don’t sit on their hands…they’re in the thick of things trying to reconcile the parties…they’re risk-takers who are willing to enter the fray with an expanded heart. That’s why ‘those who work for peace…will be called the children of God.’

 
Jos 22-24, Luke 23:26-34, Ps 52, Pr 21:17

We are doing fine my brother ....

@Alwaystrue ,ran out of data some days ago .....Reason for not being on this thread
@Odunharry,thanks for today's update...Success in ur exams !

The Word For Today

Wednesday September 3, 2014
"BECOME A MOTIVATOR!"
‘Encourage [motivate] one another.’ Hebrews 3:13 CEV

Leslie was born with physical and mental challenges so severe that doctors had to remove his eyes. When he was six months old, a nurse named May Lemke, who was raising five children of her own, adopted him and asked God to give him some kind of talent. When Leslie was thirteen, May bought a used piano and played some simple songs, hoping he’d respond. No expression…nothing. She continued trying to motivate her adopted son to engage in life. Then when he was sixteen, he pulled himself up to the piano, and without ever having touched a keyboard before, played a Tchaikovsky piano concerto. It was flawless, and May soon discovered that Leslie could play anything he heard. Then out of the blue one day, he started singing, and that led to his playing and singing at concerts all over the country. All this came about because a mother facing incredible odds became a tireless motivator! In the movie ‘Seabiscuit’ one of the main characters, Tom Smith, was asked why he kept a lame, ageing horse. He replied, ‘You don’t throw away a whole life just because he’s banged up a little!’ That old horse ended up leading a younger horse to a spectacular racing career. Thank God for motivators who make the difference between a trip to the glue factory and winning a blue ribbon! Paul says, ‘Encourage [motivate] one another.’ Somebody said, ‘Dreams always come a size too big so we can grow into them’. Motivators help you to dream big, then help you grow in order to fulfil your dream. People can run a long way on just a little encouragement. So become a motivator.

Josh 8: 30 - 10:43, Lk. 19: 28-40, Ps 103: 13-22, Prov 23: 1-3.

Hello my people .....thanks for keep the thread alive !

How much does it cost and how do I get them ?

Someone should pls say something ....thanks !

Thank you Dunhill but when you say herbally ,does it means agbo ,concoctions and traditional stuff ..... ?

Hello ,

I have someone recently diagnosed with breast cancer . Can anybody in the house suggest the best cancer diagnosed centre in Lagos for second confirmation as we believe by faith that that person is now healed ...

Awaiting your swift responses !

Hello my beloved in the Lord Odunharry and Alwaystrue .....Sorry I've able away from this thread . I'm fully back by His grace !

Hello Doctors in the House ,

Pls I want to ask if it's possible for somebody diagnosed with NO sperm count to graduate to LOW sperm count based on taking prescribedd drugs or surgery and later upgrade to HIGH sperm count by consistently takings drugs or undertaking surgery ....

I will really appreciate a detailed response .

THank you .

We lose some of our posts like others when Nairaland crashed then but it is well ....
Thanks for the update today Odunharry

Hello Friends,

So many comments has been erased on this thread but let's keep it going .

And also when you post,try and share with us what you learnt from the message . It's very important !

Aysuccess99,

You can go ahead and post on this thread ,that's if nobody has posted for the day and you adhere to the format . God bless you as the join the team of those publishing His words !

The best way to completely forgive those who hurt us is to pray for them ....Talking from experience ,at the beginning it will look odd,difficult and impossible ,but with time and His grace ,your heart will soon let go of all those ugly memory and the love of God will fill the vacuum ......

10 JANUARY 2014

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Pray a Prayer of Release

‘…[The] curse does not come to rest.’

Proverbs 26:2

10 January 2014

Author Stormie Omartian grew up with a mother who told her she was worthless. She locked Stormie in a closet because she couldn’t ‘stand to see her daughter’s face’! Stormie writes: ‘I was raised by a mentally ill mother…and…her  behaviour left me with guilt, hopelessness, helplessness and deep emotional pain. By the time I was a young woman I was still locked in—only the boundaries were emotional not physical—a deep, ever-present pain which expressed itself through self-destruction and paralysing fear. Years later [with help from a Christian counsellor] I learned that unforgiveness as deeply rooted as mine…must be unravelled one layer at a time. One day I felt led to pray, “Lord, give me a heart like Yours for my mother.” Immediately I had a vision of her as a beautiful, fun-loving, gifted woman with no resemblance to the person I knew…I was seeing her the way God made her to be, not the way she’d become. What an amazing revelation! In an instant I put together the pieces of her past—her mother’s tragic death…the suicide of her beloved uncle and foster father, her feelings of abandonment, guilt, bitterness and unforgiveness…Touching the heart of God brought such forgiveness that when she died…I had no bad feelings. In fact, the more I forgave her the more God brought to mind good memories…People are often the way they are because of how life shaped them, and only God knows their history. To enjoy everything God has for you, pray a prayer of release and let go of the past.’ Only then can you move on.

Job 24-28, Matt 6:1-8, Psalm 46 , Proverb 1:32-33

See people for show ! My people ,how market ?

You beat me to it this morning . Thanks for the update.....

Have a blessed week !

God uses the weak,feeble individual of this world to confound the wise ....He chose Moses ,the stammarer , Jeremiah ,the little prophet ,Saul even said his family is the least in his tribe yet that did not deter God from using these people .......

What we can learn is excuses of any kind will NEVER be acceptance to God from being useful to Him and His kingdom . In your small place and capacity He has placed you,make an impact .

@Yemmight,

Thanks for all your advice,suggestions and counsels on this thread . I've sent mails to you before on the challenge I have of crossing from my present job in banking sector to HR jobs . I've finished my CIPMN since 2012 and I've not been inducted because one year HR experience is needed before you can be inducted and become an associate ....

I have applied for several HR jobs before and I've never been called . Seriously ,I need HR job and salary is not even my concern . I just wanted to work and practice in this field .

Expecting your swift response .

6 JANUARY 2014

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Are You Feeling Insecure? (2)

‘Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you…’

Jeremiah 1:17

6 January 2014

Are you embarrassed about your beginnings? Jeremiah was. He begins his book by listing the good people and the bad people in his background. Well, guess what? We all came from a less-than-perfect gene pool! We’re all a mixed bag. So what should you do? Learn from those who did it the wrong way, and follow those who did it the right way. Discover the purpose God put you on earth for, and fulfil it. Keep the torch burning brightly, then hand it over to the next runner. Endeavour to finish strong and hear your ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ And watch what you say! The words you speak not only influence others, they influence you too. When Jeremiah told God that he wasn’t the right age, God said, ‘Don’t say that!’ When he complained that he was not a gifted speaker, God said, ‘Don’t say that either!’ When he saw the size of the opposition his knees buckled, but God said, ‘‘Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord’ (vv. 17-19 NIV). And God didn’t promise just to be with Jeremiah; He’s promised to be with you.

 

Job 15-17, Matt 5:13-26, Psalms 42:1-5 , Proverb 1:20-23

Remove God from your life ,you become nothing ,add God to ,you become Somebody and so when the calling of God is upon the life of a man ,He takes him beyond his station and expectations in life.....

May He grace continually be with us as we journey with Him this year !

5 JANUARY 2014

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Are You Feeling Insecure? (1)

‘Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you…’

Jeremiah 1:8

5 January 2014

Jeremiah writes: ‘Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you [set you apart]; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Then said I: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord. Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and…said: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant…I am ready to perform My word’’’ (vv. 4-12 NKJV). Does the job you’ve been called to do seem too big for you? On your own, it is, but not when you include God! You’re not working alone; God is with you. Whether it’s to pull down or build up, the One who called you will equip you, empower you and give you success. He didn’t make a mistake when He picked you. You say, ‘If only I had the education, talent and experience of so-and-so.’ If God wanted them, He’d have chosen them, but He chose you. Just be yourself, trust God, and everything will go well for you.

Job 11-14, Matt 5:1-12, Psalm 10:12-18 , Proverb 1:17-19

What stands out for me in today's words is " It takes initiative to succeed at anything in life. It requires us to take risk"

Peter was able to walk on water like Jesus because he took the initiative ,asking Jesus to call him out and he did walk on water until his faith begins to falter .The thing is we won't get anything this year if we fail to take proper initiatives in prayer and we just assumed God knows all about our challenges,issues and problems .

Truth is ,God knows but He won't do anything until He sees our efforts,passions and zeal .......

3 JANUARY 2014

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Be Passionate About It (2)

‘As an eagle stirs up its nest…so the Lord…led him…’

Deuteronomy 32:11-12

3 January 2014

A mother eagle knows that if she waits for her young to get out of the nest and fly on their own initiative, it’ll never happen. So she pushes them out! That’s radical, but they learn to fly and fulfil their destiny. John Maxwell says: ‘To succeed in life we must stay within our strength zone, but continually move outside our comfort zone. Have you ever accomplished anything of significance while you were in your comfort zone?’ Think about it. The answer is ‘no’, isn’t it? We don’t like moving outside our comfort zone. We resist it. We like to feel safe and secure. We don’t want to look foolish or fall flat on our faces. And as we get older we tend naturally to become more and more complacent. That’s a problem, because complacency kills passion. It reduces us to average. It clips our wings and keeps us from soaring, no matter how much we want to. It takes initiative to succeed at anything in life. It requires us to take risks. Playwright George Bernard Shaw said, ‘I’m sick of all the reasonable people: they see all the reasons for doing nothing.’ Passion prompts us to leave our comfort zone and cross the threshold of our doubt. It pushes us out the door, so that we can get going on the journey in life that God designed for us. It’s said that when you get to the door of opportunity you’re not supposed to knock—you’re supposed to push!’ So step out in faith, take the initiative, and believe that God is with you (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Job 5-7, Matt 4:1-11, Ps 90:7-17                   , Pr 1:5-9

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

HOPE FOR NATIONAL LEADERS

Father, we thank You for all those in authority – for Her Majesty the Queen and all who serve in our national and regional governments.  We ask that You would bless them with wisdom and understanding, and give them hearts of compassion to honour every part of our society, without prejudice.  We ask that You would turn their hearts to You.  May they seek You and listen to You, and may they choose what pleases You.