HE Saw Every Tear

HE saw every tear:

The ones that welled up

But did not pour

The ones that dropped down

But did not leave a stain

The ones that flowed

For hours unstoppable,

Yes, HE saw every tear;

HE saw every tear

Those that spoke of your joy

Those of uncontrollable excitement

Those of success and satisfaction

Those of the fulfilment of HIS Will;

Those that told of your pains

Those that followed fear

Those that were filled with anguish

Yes, HE saw them all;

Even those that flowed under sedation

Even those of the transient joys of addictions

All those tears of self-condemnation, self-defeat

HE saw those tears of confusion and hopelessness;

Every drop meant something to HIM

Every drop HE watched over

Every drop communed with HIM

Every drop was mirrored on HIM;

HE saw every tear

HE felt each one with you

HE did not choose any over another

HE never took HIS eyes off you;

HE saw your every tear

No one else has seen them all

No one else has felt them too

No one else knows where you're coming from

No one else knows the great places HE's taking you to.

You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. [Psalms 56:8, NLT]

Some "Physical" Characteristics of God

I know You for I’ve seen You

You are real, Oh King

In every part of my being

I see You in Your creations

I see You in all that You do

Your eyes watch over me with loving kindness

Your ears hear me, even my thoughts and whispers

Your face shines upon me day and night

From Your mouth proceeds all I need for life;

Your strong, mighty hand keeps me safe

Your heart is set on me for always

From Your breath power emanates

From Your voice great things originate

I know You for I’ve seen You

In all that You do

And I want You to know

I love You so.

The Inspiration

In my days of ignorance I asked a friend, “Does God truly look like us? I imagine Him to be one giant sitting on a golden seat with a golden scepter in His hand, with Jesus sitting by His right hand.” She laughed. She replied, “I see God in everything and everyone around me because they were created out of Him.” Then she added, “Please do not try to give God something from your imagination – that would be making Him look like an idol. God is much more than that.”

Then I did not understand her but today I know that God is much more than that imagination of mine. There are so many facets of God. Today I’d like to share with you some things about God, what I title "Some Physical Characteristics of God". Do you have any to add to this? 

The Eye(s) of God

Beloved, you can live and sleep in peace because the eye of God is upon you [Psalm 34:15]. They run to and fro throughout the whole earth, that He may show himself strong on behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him [2 Chronicles 16:9]. The ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He ponders all his goings [Proverbs 5:21]. He sees everything that is going on. His eyes preserve knowledge [Proverbs 22:12]. Whosoever touches you touches the apple of His eye [Zechariah 2:8].

The Ear(s) of God

Did you ever wonder if God hears you? Call upon Him any day any time for as long as you live for He has inclined His ears unto you [Psalm 116:2]. His ears are not heavy that He cannot hear [Isaiah 59:1], His ears are open to your prayers [1 Peter 3:12].

The Face of God

Part of your daily prayer should be let the face of the Lord shine upon you. When He shines His face upon you, His graciousness goes with it [Numbers 6:25]. No matter what you are going through, seek His face and you shall be saved from that circumstance [Psalm 80:3]. There is restoration when we seek His face [1 Kings 13:6].

The Mouth of God

Whatever comes from the mouth of God is established. That is why we need to hold on steadfastly to the Word of God. He has made us know that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from His mouth [Deuteronomy 8:3]. You shall sit under your vine and under your fig tree (enjoy the most prosperous tranquility); no one shall make you afraid, for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has said it [Micah 4:4].

The Nostrils of God

There is so much power in God – it even exudes from His breath. At the blast of the breath of His nostrils, the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered, at His rebuke [Psalm 18:15]. Those that plow iniquity and sow wickedness, by the breath of His nostrils are they consumed [Job 4:8-9].

The Hand and Arm of God (and HIS right Hand)

The Hand of God is mighty [Joshua 4:24]. When it is upon us, we are strengthened and we can do great things [Ezra 7:28; Acts 11:21]. His arm is mighty, strong is His right hand and high is His right hand [Psalm 89:13]. The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turns it wherever He wills [Proverbs 21:1]. Therefore no barrier is too great for you to overcome because He can make things happen in your favour. The Lord’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save [Isaiah 59:1]. No matter how deep in sin or in any situation you feel you are, know that His hand can reach you and deliver you. From the hand of God, you will eat and drink and enjoy good in your labour [Ecclesiastics 2:24].

The Voice of God

We are instructed to hearken diligently to the voice of the Lord [Exodus 15:26] for many blessings will follow. When God thunders marvelously with His voice, He does great things which we cannot comprehend [Job 37:5]. His voice is powerful and full of majesty [Psalm 29:3-9].

The Heart of God

Your body is the temple of the Lord – there the Holy Spirit resides. The Heart of God shall be there perpetually [1 Kings 9:3].

The mind of God
God knows well the plans He has in mind for you: plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope [Jer29:11(NAB)]. Thanks Telekinesys :-).

Got some to share? :-)

Have a glorious week ahead.

Thanks to all of you who responded to Queen. She even went ahead to drop a thank you line to all of you. Please read her response to your comments HERE.

Daddy and Daughter

From Daddy to Daughter
Daddy:
Maybe you do not know
But you are very special to me
Consider that We took out time
To prepare a place before your arrival
To justify why you should be here
To give you an irreplacable purpose:

Maybe you do not know
But I have a special place for you in My Heart
Consider your worth and uniqueness
Without you, there is vacuum on earth
Without you, he is incomplete
You're so soft yet so strong;

Come and tell Daddy
Did he touch you
Did he hurt you
Did he make you cry;
Or
Does he adore you
Does he care for you
Does he love you the way I do?

Come, my daughter, come
Do you know the way I love you?
Do you know how much I love you?
You are the apple of my eye
I have loved you with an everlasting love
No one, not anyone, should make you feel
Any less than you are worth.

Come, my daughter, come
Let me wipe your tears of today and yesterday
Let me show you the meaning of true love
Let me prepare you daily for your king
Let my strength be made perfect in your weakness
Let me give you the life you've always dreamed of.

Daughter Rita: Hmmm! Daddy, I have searched everywhere for love and I have been disappointed. I am tired. I am coming to you now now...

I was thinking on the words for a post on the relationship blog. The topic I had been shying away from writing was sex. So as I was thinking on the words, He reminded me of our journey as Father and Daughter and the words He said to me during my heartbreak. I never knew I would ever heal or that one day He would give me a husband who is better than I could dream of. I know He has something special in His heart for all His children, even specially for women.

This poem I share is dedicated to all women - broken, heartbroken, unbroken, mended, healed, whole, young, old. There is nothing that compares to the love of God. He is the master mender. May you experience daily the heart and hand of God in your life.

Oh! Happy New Year everyone and God bless you...

Lacuna (Once Again)

Posted previously January 2008.
Lacuna

As seconds ticked
And minutes passed
The days turned to years
History was taking place

A glance from today
Shows something missing in history
A time when nothing happened
A time when all was still:
A lacuna

But I had to see
With my spiritual eyes
That the Lacuna
Was a period
When you showed again
That you alone
Are God

And that is why
When I think of time
When I think of days
I know assuredly
You are not bound by time.

The Inspiration
To the outsider, there were few explanations for why the fourth child of the Harrys came seven years after the third. Some guessed that boy was a mistake – the parents wanted 3 and he came when they did not expect. Some assumed it must have been strict birth control. The truth was that it was seven years when God showed Himself strong [2 Chronicles 16:9].

The Harrys had planned to have four children. Everything was going as planned. The children were coming after every two years. All of a sudden, from nowhere, tragedy hit them. Mrs. Harrys fell ill, suffering from an illness doctors could not cure. Mr Harry lost his very comfy job. Life seemed to be a nightmare.

It was seven years of hoping on God for healing. It was seven years of having faith for a better tomorrow. It was seven years of finding out who were friends and family. It was seven years of getting knowledge and understanding which no education can give. Knowledge and understanding that with God, nothing is impossible [Luke 1:37]. It was seven years of experiencing God for themselves.

This reminded me of the word “Lacuna” that is why I entitled this message so. Geologists call Lacuna a gap, a break in normal sequence, a period when nothing can be traced. In life, there appears to be Lacunae, periods when it seems nothing is happening, days are going by and your desires seem further away. And when you look back, it seems there is a break. For instance, you leave school and after 4 years you do not have a job. You might feel your life is meaningless those 4 years and then continues when you get the job. With God, there is no break in sequence, there is no gap. He is always there. And every moment matters to Him.

But you must not forget this one thing: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think [2 Peter 3:8-9]. Speaking of time, the scientists (geologists) have proven that plant life started before animal life, but separated by thousands (or millions) of years. They have also proven that man came to earth after all other life forms.

These confirm the sequence of the account of the creation [Genesis 1: 1-31]. Yet what they call thousands and millions of years is nothing but a day in the eyes of God.

When the Harrys look at their last child, the child of the seven-year lacuna, they are reminded of God’s faithfulness [Deuteronomy 7:9]. He truly watches over His word to perform it [Jeremiah 1:12]. He has said that He is the Lord that heals you [Exodus 15:26]. He said He has heard your prayers and seen your tears [2 Kings 20:5]. He said He has washed away your sins [Isaiah 1:18]. He said He is the one who teaches you to profit and leads you in the way you should go [Isaiah 48:17]. He has said that His thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways His ways [Isaiah 55:8].

Yes, there were days when they wondered if there was God. There were moments when their lips almost confessed that they were forsaken. There were days when they came close to doubting the efficacy of the word of God. Every sunrise was a reminder of the pain they were going through. Yet every crack of dawn brought a new day of hope, expecting everyday. They lived each day as it came and they saw the end of their trials.

Tomorrow you may look back at today and realize it is one of the days of a lacuna in your life. But more importantly, it is one day that the Lord has given you, to take you closer to your destiny, to take you closer to the realization of your desire. He is faithful that promised. A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about His promise, as some people think [2 Peter 3:8-9].

There is nothing like experiencing God for yourself. Remain Blessed.

Ode To My Father

If I was the most moral of ladies
I would have said that was why You blessed me with a wonderful husband;
If I had not missed work purposely
I would have said that was why You gave me the promotion;
If I had not partied the night before exams
I would have said that is why You blessed me with good grades;
If I had woken up early
I would have said that is why You kept a parking space just for me;
If I had passed my driving test
I would have said that is why You preserved me and my car in Lagos road;
If I had a white-colored past
I would have said that is why You allow people listen to me;
If I have never missed a day of prayer and bible study
I would have said that is why You surround me with favour;

I can go on and on about ways that I have fallen short
Even of my own expectations
Yet, never for one day did You turn your back on me
You have been there – faithful, loving and true;

It suddenly hit me, so profound yet true
That You have loved me even before I had thought of loving You
And it is not by my works, my morality, what I did or did not do
But simply You love me and Your Grace has been there for me;

I thought I was the only one You loved that much
But when I looked around me, I realized You are consistent
Your love is there for everyone
No wonder you make the sun and moon shine on the righteous and the unrighteous;

Thank you for Your unconditional love
I have tried to reciprocate, but can anything compare to Your Love?
All I can try to do is obey You
Which has not been easy in this my walk with You;

I just want to say Thank You
For Your Love
That extends to each and every one of us
And is always there for us inspite of ourselves.

I tried to count my blessings…and I could not keep count. They were just too many. Thank You, My Loving Father.

These are the songs in my heart
I Pour My Love On You
Unrestrained

Your Daughter Whom You Love,
Rita

I AM

I Am:
I Am your exceedingly great reward
Who will never leave you nor forsake you
Who opens doors which no one can close
I Am;

I Am your creator
Who watched you and knit you in your mother's womb
I neither sleep nor slumber
Who says I will not remember you;

I Am the Lord above all things
My ways are not your ways
I Am not a man that I should lie
Have I spoken and it did not come to pass?

I have loved you with an everlasting love
I daily load you with blessings
I give beauty for ashes
I have my way in the whirlwind and in the storm;

I will always be with you
Whether you can feel my presence or not
I Am the Lord your God
With me nothing is impossible;

I Am so mindful of you
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands
Your walls are continually before me
Nothing can separate you from this love I have for you
You are the apple of my eyes;

I Am,
I Am That I Am
I Am for you
I Am.

A Corn and Acorn

The seeds were sown:
A corn and Acorn
In a matter of days
A corn had yielded fruit
Acorn was no where to be seen;

Days turned to months:
A corn had become a field
Generating in thousand folds
Seeds, promises and futures
Yet Acorn was just a tree with no fruit;

Months turned to years
A corn prospered anywhere
Flowing with the winds
Acorn managed to become a still, strong trunk
With nothing more than a few buds of flowers;

Just when everyone thought
There was no hope for Acorn
A hundred years or more
Acorn was scattered everywhere
With seeds so rich, plenty and beautiful.

In due season, Acorn yielded fruit.

Speaking of seeds: A seed is a miracle waiting to happen [1]. The embryo comes pre-packaged with a food supply and the vital genetic information needed to become a plant just like its parents. Seeds once sown exist in a state of dormancy (period from when the seed is sown to when it germinates). During this period they absorb oxygen, give off carbon dioxide, and slowly using up their stored food reserves. During this process the seed continually monitors the external environment waiting for ideal conditions specific for the particular seed. Once the ideal conditions occur, the seed breaks dormancy and germinates. A corn and acorns have different periods of dormancy. So does every other seed.

You may have sown seeds: seeds of time, seeds of money, seeds of love, seeds of life or seeds of faith. You are expecting to see your seed yield fruit. Your seed is indeed a miracle about to happen. And in due season, you will reap the fruit of what you have sown.

For God is not unrighteous to forget or overlook your labor and the love which you have shown for His name's sake… [Hebrews 6:10, AMP]. So do not lose heart and grow weary in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season you shall reap, if you do not loosen and relax your courage and faint [Paraphrased from Galatians 6:9, AMP].

Have a blessed week ahead.

References
[1] Successful Seed Germination: http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/1996/2-9-1996/seed.html

No One Can Take It From You

No One Can Take It From You

When you do that thing
So unique and natural to you
It may be insignificant to you
But no one can take it from you;

When you see that opportunity
That resonates with your hope
Maybe you don’t understand why
But no one can take it from you;

When you dream that dream
You pray there's a means for the end
No one else may understand it
And no one can take it from you;

When words or actions
Trigger something inside of you
It may be different from everyone’s expectations
Yet no one can take if from you;

What ever it is
That pulsates in your heart
Focus on the end
And ask for His direction;

It might not be clear to you now
You might not get everyone’s support
But as long as it is from Him
No one,
Not one,
Can take it from you.

He who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ, developing that good work and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you…[Philippians 1:6 AMP].

Pondering on the breakup – I believe in God

I almost said
This affair is over
I almost said
I cannot do it anymore:

I wanted to turn my back on Him
And go back to where I was coming from
Yes I knew life without Him is hell
But then I assumed accepting my fate could see me through;

But the circumstance
Opened my eyes
To see that I did not love Him
As much as I professed
Nor as much as He loved me,
Then I saw clearly
That my foundation was not solidly built on Him;

I suddenly realized why my relationships failed:
When the going was good
It was easy to love so much
But at the smell of a trial
I walked away;

I quickly forgot the good times we shared
How much He blessed me
How He saved my life
How He has given me a second chance
How much He loves me
That not even my flaws could separate me from His love;

So as I pondered on the breakup
I recalled those times when I stumbled and fell
When I sinned over and over
Especially the same sins I had prayed about
And when I thought there was no hope for me
His Grace was made perfect in my weakness

Whilst pondering on the breakup
He saved me from an accident
Reminding me that He was not yet done with me
That I will live to overcome the trial

Still pondering on the breakup
My life 2 years ago flashed before me
I could have sworn it was not the same person
If not for the mark on my forehead
That reminds me only God can save a baby
Who fell off a 3-storey building

So I knelt down beside my bed
And wept
Cursing the source of such thoughts
Yet making my resolve
That I will love Him whether good or bad
That I will not stop praising and trusting Him
That I will continue to build my foundation on Him;

My Sweet, Loving God and Father
This love affair is forever
Because

I believe in God.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow
Where will you be?

Who will remember
Your broke-ness or brokenness
Your toiling and sweat
Or the doors shut at your face?

Who will imagine
Your silent tears in secret
Moments you almost lost hope
Or when your fears grew with each day?

Who will know
Of your seeds sown
Seeds of time, energy and resources
And resilience despite disappointments?

Like a flower about to blossom
And a seed waiting to sprout
In just a little while
Your breakthrough will come:

Tomorrow
Where will you be?

Begin to confess and visualize
All that you want for yourself
And back it with My Word
For I am watching over My Word
To perform it.

Do not envy him/her who seems to be there, for you do not know what he/she passed through to get there.

The Buildings

Limited

For so long
I have wondered
Why I am still where I was
Yesterday;

I blamed it on You
Not know the truth
That all I wanted
Was right before me;

But I was limited
By how far I could see
All I thought I deserve
And all they said I could be;

But you’ve opened my eyes
That I may know
Everything is out there
Waiting for me.

The Inspiration

Baby and I were bored with the adult party going on. Imagine that staff and spouses were having a social event yet they were still talking office talk. How boring! Baby was a colleague’s daughter that couldn’t keep her eyes off my sexy red gown. We left the room where the dinner was going on to have our own fun.

Baby at the age of 3 was good at using the camera. She wanted to snap everything in sight. As we got to the balcony that overlooked the beautiful city of Abuja, she decided to take some pictures.

“I want to snap the 2 houses,” she demanded.
“There are more than 2 houses here,” I told her. I was seeing the beautiful scenery, the night glittering with bright light at different corners, and nature in an alluring rhythm.
“There are only 2 houses,” she insisted.

I realized that we were looking at the same place but from different points of view. Her view was obstructed by some parts of the balcony. I, being much taller, could see the view in full.

“Can I carry you up to show you the other house?”
“No, I want my two houses…” and click click, she continued taking photographs of the two houses.

Baby was telling me something with her response. I wondered.

Are we usually content with our comfort zone to the extent that we do not want to make a move to see what is really out there?
Are we limited by our circumstances, situations, or what people say? I remember one lecturer that said A is for God, B is for him and C is for the intelligent students. Everyone was okay with it. Until a quiet friend of mine came and told him A is for human beings.

There are a lot of blessings out there for you to take hold of. Do not let short-sightedness, fear, past, what people say determine what blessings you deserve. God has them unlimited for you.

You have been blessed as far as your eyes can see. Think, dream and see big. How far are you seeing today? Do not limit yourself or limit God. And as you expand your vision today, know that all you see will be yours.

Have a blessed day.

The Walks

Walk 1

That walk that night
Towards the ditch of destruction
I carried the heaviness of heartbreak
And the burdens of physical pain
Which time could not abate;

I wondered what was the point to life
If heartbreak comes by being nice
And physical pains from doing nothing wrong;
I cared nothing of life and so much less of You
I felt the only relief to pain
Was greater pain that would lead to death
But lest it be called suicide
It had to be like I slipped into the ditch;

Just before I took the step
That would cause a fall and lead to my end
The light of a car shone from nowhere
'Cos eyes were fixed on me, I had to walk away;

I could have sworn I heard You say something like
“My Child, I’m not yet done with you!”


Walk 2

That walk called my life
Headed for eternal destruction
Though I knew where I was going
There was nothing I could do;
But from nowhere, Your light shone
Through Your Word and Your Love;
I could have sworn I heard You say something like
“My child, the cure to pain is My Love
And there are so many great things
You are yet to achieve!”

*******************************************************

Today, I felt like jamming a police van. The driver did one very wrong driving and came in front of me. I had to hold myself because I have had enough car-jamming for my lifetime…

My Heart

My Heart
Has tasted of Your Love,
Of Your Mercy and Goodness,
Even if I can only recall few moments;

Those broken pieces of My Heart
Then scattered 3600 kilometers apart
You found every bit of it
And with Your Deft Touch, made it one piece;

My once hard, diamond heart
Changed its state by Your Fire –
A Consuming Love that softened every region
Making it malleable for Your Transformation;

Your Caress on My Heart
Roused a harmonious rhythm,
Your Touch on My Heart
Brought about complete healing;

My Heart
Has tasted of Your Love,
Of Your Grace and Faithfulness
And this My Heart knows fully well:

Now I can Love like You.


Simple Truth:
We cannot change a leopard’s spots,
But God can change its heart.
- Rebecca Barlow Jordan, Daily in Your Image, page 283.

Resonance

My Beloved,
By Being You
Made in My image
You have so much
Deposited in you;

But when you move
At My Frequency
You can do great things
More than you ever imagined
More than the world expects of you;

When you vibrate
In response to my vibrations
Then you can impact the world
In that way I have predestined for you;

You have all it takes
To be all I’ve made you to be
To achieve all I’ve called you to do
To turn dreams to reality;

Key into Me
Your Resonant Frequency
Then you will experience
Profound greatness
Novel achievement
And unimaginable fulfillment.

The Forbidden Fruit

It beckoned:
Its rare beauty, its mystery
Was the greatest captivator in history
Every drop in my resistance
Was due to an extra glance
Yet I felt it was alright
To look one more time;

It beckoned:
Persistently, yet subtly
It spoke to me
Come closer please touch me
Feel me and taste me
Experience me just once
You will never be the same again;

It beckoned:
I stuttered a refusal
Just for the record
I knew better than to say yes
But there was this emptiness
That needed to be filled
With something different and sweet;

It beckoned:
The call had become light
I feared I would be denied
This one and only opportunity
To explore the untouched fruit
That exuded sweetness and satiety
So why live a lifetime in rue?

No longer could I hold back
My last strands of resistance
So I touched and savoured
Then took a bite with great hopes

As the liquid touched my tongue
I could have sworn it was sweet
But that sweetness was too transient
Compared to the sour, nay, bitter taste;

And then it dawned on me
After the deceit
That there was no beckon
Save my desire and weakness
That drove me to taste
Of eternal grief, sorrow and pain
Only redeemable
By Love Himself.

Redeemer

Redeemer: - Hebrews goel; i.e., one charged with the duty of restoring the rights of another and avenging his wrongs. This title is peculiarly applied to Christ. He redeems us from all evil by the payment of a ransom (q.v.)[1]. The debt against us is not viewed as simply cancelled, but is fully paid. Christ's blood or life, which he surrendered for us, is the "ransom" by which our deliverance from the servitude of sin and from its penal consequences is secured.

Redeemer
Strong and mighty Redeemer,
In love and pity you redeemed us
Through your greatness you redeemed us
We magnify You, we exalt Your Holy name, we worship You, we praise You, we glorify You, We adore You, Our Redeemer;

Great and Mighty Redeemer
Redeeming the time
Redeemer of lives
Redeemer of souls
You are the Redeemer that lives;

You have redeemed us from bondage
Redeemed us from iniquities
Redeemed us from the hands of the enemy
Redeemed us from the curse of the law
Redeemed us from death;

We magnify You, we exalt Your Holy name, we worship You, we praise You, we glorify You, We adore You, Great and Mighty Redeemer.

Kinsman-Redeemer: - Male relative who, according to various laws found in the Pentateuch, had the privilege or responsibility to act for a relative who was in trouble, danger, or need of vindication.

Although the term "kinsman-redeemer" is used only seven times in the NIV (all in the Book of Ruth) and "avenger of blood" is used twelve times, the Hebrew verb ga'al, from which both of these terms are translated, is used over 100 times and rendered by such additional terms as "redeemer" or "near relative." The Hebrew term designates a male relative who delivers or rescues (Gen 48:16; Exod 6:6); redeems property (Lev 27:9-25) or person (Lev 25:47-55); avenges the murder of a relative as a guiltless executioner (Num 35:9-34); and receives restitution for wrong done to a relative who has since died (Num 5:8). The unique emphasis of the redemption/salvation/vindication associated with the kinsman-redeemer is the fact that this action is carried out by a kinsman on behalf of a near relative in need. This idea is most clearly illustrated in the Book of Ruth.

God is Israel's Redeemer, the one who will defend and vindicate them. The idea that God is a kinsman to Israel can be defended by those passages of Scripture that identify him as Israel's Creator and Father (Exod 4:22-23; Deut 32:6), Deliverer (Exod 20:2), owner of the land (Lev 25:23), the one who hears innocent blood crying out for vengeance (Deut 19:10; 21:6-9), and the King who has made his covenant with the people (Exod 6:2-8). David, in his use of the term (Psalm 19:14; 103:4), doubtless has in mind the actions of his great-grandfather Boaz (Ruth 4:9-10).

In the psalms God often redeems in the sense of rescuing from danger. In Job 19:25 the term "redeemer" in context refers to God who, as friend and kinsman of Job, through faith will ultimately defend and vindicate him. The same idea of vindication (this time with the term translated "Defender") is used in Proverbs 23:11.

Although the doctrine of redemption from sin is taught extensively in the New Testament, it is not connected closely with the Old Testament concept of kinsman-redeemer. Christ can, however, be regarded as an example of a kinsman-redeemer since he identified himself with us and redeemed us because of our need. Hebrews 2:11 states that "Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers." Jesus is not only our redeemer from sin, but as Hebrews 2:16-18 and 4:14-16 point out, he is a kinsman to us and understands our struggles. Thus he is able to help us in our times of need.[2]

[1] http://eastonsbibledictionary.com/r/redeemer.htm
[2] http://www.biblestudytools.net/Dictionaries/BakersEvangelicalDictionary/bed.cgi

Are you Ready?

The Delay

I wondered
Why there was a delay
Why You denied me
My heart’s desire;

I almost fainted
All through the long journey
Of Instruction
And examples;

At the back of my mind
I looked forward to the end
Wondering what You were up to
This time around;

But I was not disappointed
For You exceeded my expectations
The timing couldn't have been better
For I was totally unprepared
Until now.

The Inspiration
Nnedinma was sixteen then. She was the youngest of the five fresh teenage girls on the block. That period of adolescence was very interesting for us all. We were just discovering some new parts of our bodies. We were beginning to have those contours like the ladies we saw in magazines as kids. We all discussed and realized we no longer shared the bathroom with our brothers. And most importantly, we never let anyone of the opposite gender see us without our make-up and best clothes.

We often met at her house every evening because she made nice chin-chin. We’d all sit outside, eating and drinking, and recounting the day’s events. “Guys” were the only topic of discussion. Some had a lot of guys hot on their trail (the well endowed ones) while the rest hoped one day the guys could look beyond their flat chest and know there was a woman inside.

These beautiful innocent meetings went on for a couple of months when we started noticing some changes in Nnedinma.
“Are you not coming out this evening?” we once asked her.
“No, not today. I have to prepared dinner for the family.”
“Are you not coming out this evening?” we asked another day.
“No, not today. I want to join my mother in prayers for the family.”
“Are you not coming out this evening?” we persisted after we had not seen her for over 2 weeks.
“No, not today. I’ve got some household chores to finish as well as an assignment. It might be late before I am done.”
“Are you not coming out this evening?” we asked, after we had missed her chin-chin for about six months.
“No, not today. I have catering classes in the evenings. I am learning some new dishes.”
“Are you not coming out this evening? That guy you had a crush on is waiting for you at the estate field.” We had not got used to her absence even after a year.
“No, not today. My dad wants me to give him details of how I spent the home’s money when mom was hospitalized. He will be back any moment from now. Maybe I will come out later.”
‘Are you coming out this evening? We have a party in the estate.” This was two year later.
“No, not today. I have a book to read. The Lady, Her Lover and Her Lord by T.D. Jakes. I recommend it for any woman.”
“Her Lover? You didn’t tell us you have a lover.”
“I don’t. I am preparing for him.”
“Oooh! How sweet! You really believe in fairy tales. Never mind, some day the knight in shining armour would come and bring you out of this house!”
“He’s on his way.”
“Are you not coming out this evening? We want to visit Mary. Her boyfriend broke her heart and she’s not been coming to school for days.” This was more than two years and we remained adamant.
“Okay, I’ll join you all. But I won’t stay long hours out with you. I want to take stock of all we sold at mummy’s shop today and prepare for tomorrow.”

We were so glad to have her with us. We spent the evening catching up on old times. Her presence lifted Mary.

“We all have boyfriends now. Who is the latest guy on your trail?” we asked her.
“There’s someone I plan on spending the rest of my life with…”
“Thinking of settling down at eighteen? You haven’t enjoyed life!”
“I’ve prayed about it. As long as God says it’s okay, I am fine with it.”
“You don’t know what you are doing. Did your parents force him on you?”
“Not at all. They only encouraged me after I told them how I felt for the man in my life.”

Within us, we did not want to argue with her. We concluded that she was making the biggest mistake of her life. In less than a year after that, she got married. We felt she had given in to slavery and bondage. How very myopic!

When I look back I realize she was prepared for what she was going into. She reminded me of the Proverbs 31 woman. At her age, she knew what it took to be a real woman. She had her values and priorities right. Most of her peers may not get it. Some may get it years later. It had nothing to do with age. It was all about being ready.

What is it you’ve been waiting on God for? Are you ready for it? Have you found out what is involved in having it? Will you be willing to make sacrifices if it calls for it? Are you waiting on God or is God waiting for you?

As you await the manifestation of that which you’ve asked God for, take out time to prepare, for preparation brings perfection [2 Chronicles 8:16].

Stay Blessed.

True Beauty

True Beauty
True beauty
Was not in the clothes
That changed with each passing moment
And never satisfying;

True beauty
Was not in the jewelry
And so called adornments
So heavy they added weights
Of unbearable charades;

True beauty
Was not in the cosmetics
That played down rather than accentuated
What was innate and real;

It took a lesson or two
Encounters and a mind renewing
To know that true beauty came
From inside out.

The Inspiration
“I’m going to see the client today to sign my ticket, and I am not wearing any make-up. How do I look?”
She giggled.
I smiled as I appraised her.
Four months ago I would have said, “You are going no where like this!” But four months was ample time to learn what true beauty is.
I looked at her eyes. I could have suggested a little mascara so that when she sends a coquettish look, the client would wonder what could come next. But her eyes held a love that would only be dimmed by mascara. Maybe some eye shadow, I could have suggested months ago. But the laughter in her eyes would be marred by such. I was fine with the eyes.

I looked at her ears. I could have cursed for the umpteenth time why the earrings to pierce her ears did not come. Suddenly I realized how beautiful the ears were. They listened twenty-four hours a day. They listened to the spoken and unspoken words. They listened in such a manner as to bring out the best encouraging words. I was fine with the ears.

I looked at the lips. A little Angelina Jolie lip gloss could have given it that sensuous look that would leave the client staring. But I saw beyond the pout. Her lips always had this childish smile that made me know she did not mean any harm even if I felt offended. In any moment, a sweet-sounding giggle could escape those lips. I could imagine anything better than the refreshing sounds that came out of her lips in words, laughter and sighs on my behalf. I did not care less if there was anything like sensuous lips.

I took a deep breath before responding to her. The mild smell of Dove body wash filled my nostril. I could have recommended a designer perfume that would linger even after she had left the client’s office. But what lingered in my memory was this same mild smell when I could not open my eyes. At that time, she mopped my high temperature down all through the night. She stayed awake all through the night making sure I was okay. When finally I opened my eyes, it was her loving eyes and mischievous smile that I saw and have not forgotten.

In just four months, I learnt what true beauty is. It had nothing to do with the outward appearance. It came from inside out. It had nothing to do with the adornments. Those have value when the inner self is beautiful. True beauty is so beautiful that I lack enough words to describe it. It is kind, loving, understanding, forgiving, refreshing, sacrificial… True beauty is like love [1 Corinthians 13: 5 - 8]. That beauty that comes from the inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which has great worth in God’s sight. Now I know why.

“You did not hear a word of what I said,” she said, and I realized I had been day-dreaming. “I said I will call the client to postpone the meeting. It will give me ample time to make-up. From your quietness I know today’s plainness must be too bad.”

“On the contrary, you are looking so beautiful today. If I am the client, I will sign your ticket and take you out for lunch. You are a real beauty!”
“Really? You’ve made my day!” Then she started giggling in that way that always amused me.

I never knew the same person whom I once thought was plain and simple would turn out to be the most beautiful lady I have ever known. The beauty was always there. I just could not see it.

You are beautiful. Let your beauty shine, that beauty of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. This is of great price in the sight of God. And those who know the worth.

Unfinished Business

The words of my mouth

May the words of my mouth
Be acceptable to you, Oh lord
May they be spoken in due season
May they be as honeycomb
May they make the heart of man glad
May they be gracious
May they be
Of You.

The Inspiration
“Please remain seated while we make this announcement,” came the bellow from the Virgin Nigeria PA system. Nkeiru shifted uncomfortable on her seat. This was the third time they had made an announcement. Each time the announcement was made, they talked about a delay. She had an appointment she did not want to miss. “Why the delay?” She asked herself.
“The Flight VK--- from Lagos to Abuja has been delayed for an hour…”
She did not wait to hear the rest of the announcement. She picked up her bags and marched straight to the lady that had made the announcement. After 5 minutes of venting her frustrations on the lady, Nkeiru stormed off with curses at the tip of her lips. She was not relieved though because she was not going to make the appointment. She was guilty that she had left an innocent lady almost in tears.

As she walked out of the airport to get something to eat, she saw an old friend of hers.
“Alice! Long time no see!” Nkeiru squealed in delight as she embraced her friend.
“Yes, Nkeiru. It’s been more than five years.”
Alice excused herself from the person she was standing with. They shared some minutes catching up on old times.
“Why don’t you introduce me to your father?” Nkeiru asked blatantly. “I have not met him before.”
“That’s not my father, gal. That’s my sugar daddy.”
“What are you doing with a sugar daddy? Don’t you have a Father?”
“He is taking care of me at the moment in ways Daddy can’t!”
“Don’t you want to be available for a young man?”
“These young men of nowadays. There is no good guy out there. Nky, you know. Is it not two of us that got heart broken in year 3?”
“I had two more heart breaks after that, but that does not change the fact that there are good guys out there. We probably had some things to learn out of the heart break, such as there is someone who loves you and will never break your heart. There is some one whose love is unconditional...."

"Spare Me!"

"... You don’t have to sleep with Him to get money from Him. He is not going to beat you blue-black when you did not speak to Him. He is not going to make you feel you are nothing more than an instrument to satisfy a man’s need. He simply loves you for who you are! I know you had it rough with that relationship…”
“…relationships…” Alice quickly corrected her
“…but you won’t find that good guy when you are in the house of your sugar daddy. That man holds no promises for you. He is simply a distraction from your purpose and destiny! And guess what, Alice? I have been there before. I have seen what is best and I want you to experience it too.”

Alice was thoughtful for a while.
“I really don’t like you now,” Alice confessed, “because you are not supporting me. All my other friends have encouraged me in this relationship and have even suggested ways that I could extort money from the man. But I know you are saying the truth. I really want more but I just remain in the relationship because I have no other option.”
“Why don’t we have lunch together and talk about the relationship that really matters? The relationship with Jesus. My flight has been delayed for another one hour!”

That was some years ago. Today, Alice is a woman living in the fullness of what God has stored up for her. Thank God for the delay in Nkeiru’s flight.

Have you ever found yourself asking “Why the delay?” If you do, then know it is time to ask, “Lord, what can I do in the mean time? What can I learn in the mean time? How can I improve as I prepare for what I desire?” Surely, what He has promised you will come to fruition [Psalms 85:9; Proverbs 23:18; Isaiah 14:24; Habakkuk 2:3; Romans 4:21]. You will be surprised that when you look back, you will appreciate what you called a delay, for He has made everything beautiful in its time [Ecclesiastics 3:11]. Make the best out of the waiting period. Don’t leave without finishing what you were really supposed to do.

Temporary Challenges

All I need

The situation overwhelms me
The alternatives face me
The sardonic mock of those around me
Makes me want to give in;

I struggle within myself
About what is true and what is truth
Fear and doubt come over me
While the short cuts appear worthwhile;

In the midst of this war
I still hold on to you:
All I need is your word
That gives me hope to go on
Yes, all I need is your word
Which if I hear, builds my faith for today;

The situation overwhelms me
I am tired of “should I or should I not”
All I need is your word
To keep me focused on the right path.

The inspiration
Wisdom had been searching for a job for a long time,. While at the university, he always talked about the kind of job he would have. 2 years after NYSC, that job did not seem like it was forthcoming. He began to doubt the word of God he had believed in and the words he had spoken. He had written several tests, got up to the final stage, but on every occasion he was put on the waitlist. His friends labeled him a “nearmisser”. Some people felt there was a curse from home that prevented him from getting the best despite his excellent degree, grades and wonderful personality.

One fateful day, Wisdom got a call from a company. He was offered a good position within the company. When he looked at his offer letter, it was far below what he had expected. He took some days to think about the offer. He discussed with family and friends. Many called him greedy when he mentioned that he may not take the offer. After a lot of pressure, he decided to accept the offer. There was also a clause in the letter stating that he will be with the company for three years. Only death could separate him from the company. Out of desperation, he signed the dotted lines. Afterall, “half a loaf of bread is better than none”, he recalled a popular idiomatic expression.

The very next day, believe it or not, after Wisdom started work, he got home to receive a letter in his mail box. Lo and behold, it was a letter of employment from the kind of company he had always talked about. The letter was dated 2 weeks back.

I may have acted the way he did under similar circumstances. So could you. Some could say he was silly, how could he? Let’s not judge or bother about what could have been done. Let’s take a simple lesson from this.

I recall the story of Esau and Jacob [Genesis 25:29-34]. Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of soup. Under a temporary challenge, he made a decision that affected the rest of his life. That was the time he lost his blessings as a first son. You could say how daft Esau was, could he not bear his hunger? But there have been times when you get overwhelmed by a temporary challenge that you give in to an inadequate solution. Short cuts were more attractive. What everyone else is doing seems to be the right thing to do. The voice of the world overshadows the voice in your heart.

Deep down inside you know what you really want. Your idea of prince charming; that woman that is the bone of your bone; that relationship that does not leave you drained and inferior; that healing that does not send you back to the hospital next month; that child of you and your spouse; that job that does not test your integrity; that breakthrough in that which you have been committed to; that restoration that would bring peace to you. Who says you cannot have it? All those around you want what they think is best for you. Your Heavenly Father wants nothing short of the best for you [Jeremiah 29:11]. He is a Father that is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that you ask or think [Ephesians 3:20].

In the face of the overwhelming situation, do not give in to any inadequate solution. It will not leave you fulfilled or satisfied. It is only the blessing of the Lord that can make you rich (physically and spiritually) without sorrow added to it [Proverbs 10:22].

http://www.biblestudytools.net/Commentaries/MatthewHenryComplete/mhc-com.cgi?book=pr&chapter=10#Pr10_22

Take a word from God for today. Let your soul find rest in Him alone, for your salvation comes from Him [Psalms 62:1].

Happy Easter and God bless You!