Learning To Walk Again

One thing I have come to know and understand through my experience at the Gym is that, trying to achieve a goal takes time and conscious efforts where daily input of stipulated repetitions, routines and painstaking tasks are required to meet an end. These actions are deliberate and cannot be rushed. In most times, it seems like the effort is just one big waste of time especially when you cant seem to see any significant change.

Waiting for change is very challenging and sometimes discouraging especially when the first installment of significant actions have been paid to effect this change and one isn't even rewarded with the comfort of seeing some level of progress! Giving up or not even wanting to go through the painful process of trying anymore becomes very apparent. Many times I either got tired of the process, went about it the wrong way and then had to start all over again or actually achieve my goals and then relax and then find myself back at square one. (If I must stress, the last of which was worse).

The situation reminds me of the scripture talking on faith ..the substance of things hoped for the evident of thing not seen Hebrews 11v11; and also my walk with God. Its as though I'm starting all over again and just now the urge not to even bother came to me. I thank God for the Holy Spirit in me that supports me, encouraging me not to give up as my experience comes to mind.

The journey has begun and sometimes in some cases, the journey is just as important as the destination. I often feel very grateful and privileged to start all over again especially when many don't get the opportunity. In my case this journey is more important and I have new wisdom to pay attention to it knowing the destination is inevitable.


PRAYER

Thank you Dear Father for the opportunity to start afresh. Please fill me with the supernatural ability to wait on you especially in areas where I am deficient and in situations that are humanly impossible knowing that with you nothing is impossible. Thank You Holy Sprit for being always by me. Help me to be obedient to your instructions always as you are my only guide.
Blessed be your Holy Name Lord, for in Jesus Mighty Name I pray. Amen

Redirect, Restore, Renew.

My brother once said 'Life is like a driving a car, going some place. You have to make conscious efforts to keep in lane but sometimes you loose concentration, veer off and it's up to you to take control and get back on track'.

I noticed as a person I seem to struggle with handling more than one project at a time and in trying to pursue a dream I gradually lost total focus on my desire to seek God with all my heart. So many thoughts and emotions going through me now but one thing I am sure of without a doubt is I LOVE GOD AND HE LOVES ME TOO! therefore all things are working for my good.

I have learnt many lessons in the process some of which are, to always be on the alert, because the Devil uses our desires to derail and distract us from the things of God; it doesn't always have to be a bad thing but as long as it keeps you somewhat 'engaged', he will use it. In my case, it was my love for fitness.. while this isn't such a bad thing, but it kept me 'busy' for months researching about weight loss, working out for hours, ogling constantly at transformation pictures all of which took my time desires and emotion.

The second of which is, when you fall, rise up and move on.  Don't dwell on the fall. The ability to bounce back and the opportunity to start all over again is a gift from God Almighty. Lastly, when you have seem to lost it and made a mess of everything and by everything I mean keeping the faith and our relationship with God, or when the Holy Spirit prompts you that you are loosing it, thats not the time to self loathe because that is literarily falling down and staying there, a plan of the devil to keep you condemned  when this happens its time to acknowledge the fall and seek help! Cry out to God for redirection, to restore your mind and to renew the right Spirit within you.

I have come to realize that falling down is part of my Christian journey. Though I don't like it, it's a reality it may not necessarily be that I did something wrong it may just be that I haven't learnt to walk run and soar. This is a place I really don't like to find myself but I have learnt not to loose sight of the Master when trying to pursue a dream. I must work extra hard God shouldn't be put on the back burner just because an interest arises...    

PRAYER

Father Lord, 

please forgive me for going astray. Forgive me for not spending time with you. I am spent, thirsty, lost and lonely as a result and all I need right now is to come back home. I am forced to think that I am too much of a disappointment but your word ever so true ever so comforting says 'a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out'. Matt 12v20. Dear Father keep please I am ready and I am willing please redirect my steps, please restore me and renew the right Spirit within me, cause me to abide in you and keep me from falling again. I'm sorry Lord please forgive me for I pray in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 

Speak, Lord, For Your Servant Is Listening.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for this day for you are the reason I am alive. As my days grow longer on this earth, I appreciate more, this wonderful gift of life you have freely given to me and I have learned to number them. Thank you Father.

Today Dear Lord as I approach your throne of grace, I ask Oh Dear Father that you grant me the grace to keep quiet and listen when you are speaking to me, to be able to distinguish clearly, my thoughts and assumptions from your words, and Oh Dear Lord that I obey every word without question or hesitation. I am very stubborn and dodgy sometimes therefore Father I ask that I will not be a victim of my own stubbornness. Give me a change in heart. A heart that hurriedly and willingly obeys You Lord. A heart that seeks to please you in all that I do. Daddy I ask this because I lack and because You promised that anything we ask believing, we will receive most especially when we ask in the name of your only begotten Son.

Grant unto me Oh Dear Father a change in heart for I pray in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.


Ref: 1 Samuel 3v10,  Matthew 21v22, John 14v14.

Fighting Temptations

The New Living Translation's rendering of James 1v14 captures the verse rather precisely touching the issue of temptation - Temptation comes from our own desires. 
Most times, I realize that the temptations I go through stems from my deep desires. These desires could even be innocent and harmless but the devil ceases this as an opportunity to attack; and often times there's a close relationship between our trials and our desires.

I remember my mom often tells me that temptation never leaves you; "it's right at the hem of your clothing" she says. It's foolish to think that as a christian, one is automatically immune to temptations... I once thought that way. The Bible warns in 1 Corinthians 10v12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 

I am facing a lot of temptations at the moment. And where I struggle the most are in areas where I just wont let go. In all these, I thank God for His word that not only is a guide but is also a reminder that He truly is with us always and is concerned with all that concerns us. I read today in Proverbs 15v11 Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the Lord. How much more does He know the human heart - as I reflected on the myriads of temptations I am going through-it was pressed upon my heart firstly not to hide from God because He is all knowing. Secondly to always surrender to Him and struggling in temptation is unnecessary. Matthew 6v13 And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

A close relationship with God also helps. Its a safe place where you can always open up to God and not only get direction but also get relief. Its important not to ignore His call, surrender every area of struggle and not to take your eyes of His word. I have also learnt not to ostracize my self when I go wrong for this gives the Devil leverage to deal with me more and I will just suffer for nothing.


PRAYERS
Dear Father, who can hide from you. I come before you today Lord for help. Temptations surround me in many areas and its almost as if I cant take a step these days without temptations right beside me. I know in some areas I have actually fallen but I come to you for help. Strengthen me in areas of my weakness and in areas I have given the devil room to attack me. Hide and keep me in you and let your perfection rub off on me. Thank you for your love and forgiveness and help me dear Lord not to take it for granted. Thank You Father for always being with me for this I give you praise in Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen.

Fear God!

Lord teach my heart to fear you was all I thought of and prayed as I read this scripture today. And with my whole heart I prayed that God will grant me this desire of my heat.

Proverbs 14v26-27 Those who fear the Lord are secure, He will be a refuge for their children. Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father thank you for opening my eyes to see this treasure hidden in your word today. Dear Lord please teach me to fear you with all of my heart. Help me dear Lord for I pray, in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

Remind Yourself...

I am now fully aware of the fact that being a follower of Christ doesn't mean you have automatic immunity from trials and challenges. It simply means, in whatever situation you may find yourself, God is aware and is also in it with you.

I find myself sometimes in unfamiliar situations and in a strange state of mind most of them very testing- but today just as I was taking a drive back home, I had this feeling of being alone. Like I was abandoned....
But I thank God for His word thats true and more real than my situation or current state. I know that even in my darkest and deepest time; even if I'm in the valley or facing a storm or in a strange place, I remind myself- God is ALWAYS with me and He will see me through.

PRAYER
Thank You Dear Father for the comfort in the promise of your word when you said You will never leave me or forsake me and nothing can separate me from Your love Oh God. I rest in this truth and in the fact that all in all these things I am more than a conqueror in Jesus mighty name.
Please Father keep me soaked in this awareness and hide me in You for I cannot make it without you.
Thank You Dear Lord for in Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen  

Basking In The Greatness Of His Love

I love new days, new weeks, new months.... for me, not only is it a blessing but its also an opportunity to re-set my goals, re-direct my focus and basically start all over again. Its May, and I'm more than glad for the blessings of a new month.

I am also eternally grateful for is this- no matter how many times we call on God, He always answers with love and grace inexhaustible. I am thankful that His love is great enough to accommodate my weaknesses and set me on the right path. Only the person that cannot call on Him is at the point of disadvantage. 

I am taking time out to set my goals, lay them in-front of my God and ask for the grace to get them right this time. I'm laying my weaknesses, concerns and faults before He who is able to change me. I am going to bask in the great advantage of being the child of an awesome and loving God and call on Him because not only am I grateful for this new month, I intend to live it on purpose.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father my creator I thank You Oh Almighty God for the great priviledge of being able to call on You. Thank you for the great opportunity and invitation to come into your presence. Father today I thank you for the opportunity to start over its not that I glory in my short comings but I am more grateful each and every single time you grant me the grace of newness. Please Dear Lord Strengthen me in every area of weakness and help me to succeed in all my plans in this month You have granted me. Help me to put you first in all that I do and help me to please you in all that I do. I never want to take your love for granted Dear Lord please help me even as I lay my fears before you. 

Thank You Lord for all you have done for me for this I give you praise for in Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen.