You will agree with me that our Heavenly Father is awesome and merciful. His love is new every morning and great is His faithfulness. I have thought about many adjectives to describe Him but it all ends up in "God is Love".
So in 2010, I start a journey of discovering more about our Loving Father who has kept us up till this day. There is no other place to know more about Him except in His word.
You are welcome to join me on this exciting journey which will be started on the blog "From The Heart of A Loving Father". It is actually a concise daily devotional. In addition to the word shared, there will be a one-year bible reading plan, suggestions for prayer for each day and Joyful 'Toons Inspirational Cartoons every other day. Posts will be up effective January 1st, and will be available by 1 AM West African Time each day.
2010 is surely going to be better than 2009. You will experience greater glory. Wishing you a fulfilling New Year.
To all my EROLyrics readers, followers and commenters, God bless you. You have truly been encouraging.
Lots of Love, Rita.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
In This 2009, We Will...(8)
You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance [Psalms 65:11 NLT].
As the year approaches its end, I am sure you will take a moment to reflect on how the year had been. No matter how the journey had been, I am sure you can find something to be thankful for.
And even if there seems to be prayers that were not answered, you need not be weary. When King Jehoshaphat faced a formidable problem, how was it solved?
Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful." After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: "Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever" [2 Chron 20:20-21 NIV].
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In this 2009, We Will Praise God
If you read further down the passage in 2 Chronicles 20, you will observe that they obtained victory "As they began to sing and praise". The cause of Judah's victory is given to their songs of praise. Praising God invites Him into your situation and chases the enemy away!
The most important key that opens new doors, closes old ones and advances us in our walk with God is Praise.
A few more reasons why we must praise God are:
• Praise turns our focus to God: When we don’t feel like praising, that is the exact time to jump up and praise, for it turns our focus away from our circumstance, situations and problems and turns them towards God. When we focus on our problems, we focus on ourselves and get stuck at that junction. When we focus on God, being the good God he is, he elevates us from whatever we are going through.
• Praise helps to keep us to be humble: When we praise we humble ourselves to seek refuge at God’s feet. When we praise, with reckless abandon, we don’t care how we look to others or how they perceive us. We are humble enough to know that God is bigger than any of our problems.
• God inhabits our praises: The dictionary defines inhabit as thus: to live or reside in or to dwell in, or to exist or to be situated within. From that definition it is not surprising the devil will want to keep us busy with many distractions. He wants to keep us from giving God praise. When we praise, God resides within our praises, and in his presence, there is no sorrow, heartache or problems.
May His praise continually be in your mouth in this 2009 and even as you enter a greater year, 2010. It is not too late for God to perform a miracle in your life in this 2009 – the year is not yet over.
Merry Xmas and a Fruitful New Year. May your year be crowned with the goodness of God.
Many thanks to RemiUK for permission to use her post “Continuous Praise”.
For further reading visit "The Praise Principle".
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
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.
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.
There is nothing like experiencing God for yourself. Remain Blessed.
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 seemfurther 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.
Monday, November 30, 2009
In This 2009, We Will...(7)
I stumbled on a blog that has helped me learn more about the women in the bible. I loved participating in the discussions (it made me read my bible and study before talking). Little did I know that one day I would be a contributor. Thanks Freedom and Hadassah for such privilege.
If you want to learn more about women in the bible, and participate in the discussions, please feel free to visit The Women in the Bible Journey.
In This 2009, We Will...
During my final year in university, I assisted a couple of classmates with their final project. Some needed direction and supervision. Some needed help in proofreading and editing. Some needed encouragement. One met me 2 weeks before defense and said he did not even have a topic. In less than a week, his project was ready. He asked me how much he would pay me to help. I told him nothing (though at the back of my mind I was hoping he would give me something). After defense, I received a couple of notes, thank you cards and gifts. The one whom I helped write project under the tight deadline disappeared after defense. No thank you talkless of payment. That is life!
But one of them stood out amongst the rest. She gave me more than thank you cards and gifts. She gave me her friendship. We built a wonderful relationship which has turned 9 years this year. From my own point of view, she gave me her heart in gratitude for what I did.
Could it be that God wants more than our gifts, our service, and our outward confession that we love Him? Is there something more required of us?
.jpg)
Recall the purpose for this series is to learn what we should do as we expect to see/experience the physical manifestation of that which we desire.
Loving God with all your heart is the first and greatest commandment as stated, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” [Mtt 22:37-40, Mrk 12:28-34].
Loving God with your whole heart is the key to everything in life because your relationship with God affects everything and everyone in your life. You can’t love God and hate your neighbor. You can’t love God and continue living in sin.
We are commanded to love God with our whole heart. This is because it is possible to love God with only a part of your heart. Do you respond to God only when He does something good for you? Do you put other things before Him like relationship, work, or leisure? Have you forgotten your first love? [Rev. 2:4].
You might be going through some challenges in your life making you feel God does not love you anymore. But if you stop to listen, you will hear the voice of God reminding you that He loves you unconditionally, telling you that He wants you and hoping you could let Him in to fill the void in your heart. God is faithful and loving. Sometimes, He uses situations to get our attention yet He does not let the situation overwhelm us. Someone told me that for years she had been looking for a child. It was not until she was bedridden that she realized she had not opened her bible in 5 years. It was her time on the bed that she used to rebuild her relationship with God. Not long after, she had a baby.
Sometimes I think on Mary and the Alabaster Box [John 12:3]. It suddenly dawned on
me that when she poured out the contents of the alabaster jar on Jesus, she knew that the ointment was nothing compared to the worth of Jesus Christ. It was a sacrifice that came from the heart. That is when an offering or a sacrifice has meaning. God sees our hearts and He knows our motives. It is what is in our hearts that matter to Him.
It is not too late to say “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting…” [Psalms 139:23-24].
Love God with all your heart. He already loves You. Tell me, has He not been good to you in this 2009? Do not forget the Lord your God [Deut 8:10-11].
For Further Reading
1. How to Love God with all your heart
2. The Greatest Commandment
3. Love God With All Your Heart
For other posts in this series please visit the links below:
1. In This 2009, We Will Pray for Others
2. In This 2009, We Will Worship The Lord
3. In This 2009, We Will Know God for Ourselves
4. In This 2009, We Will Guard Our Hearts
5. In This 2009, We Will Sow Seeds
6. In This 2009, We Will Speak Right
Have a blessed week and new month ahead.
If you want to learn more about women in the bible, and participate in the discussions, please feel free to visit The Women in the Bible Journey.
In This 2009, We Will...
During my final year in university, I assisted a couple of classmates with their final project. Some needed direction and supervision. Some needed help in proofreading and editing. Some needed encouragement. One met me 2 weeks before defense and said he did not even have a topic. In less than a week, his project was ready. He asked me how much he would pay me to help. I told him nothing (though at the back of my mind I was hoping he would give me something). After defense, I received a couple of notes, thank you cards and gifts. The one whom I helped write project under the tight deadline disappeared after defense. No thank you talkless of payment. That is life!
But one of them stood out amongst the rest. She gave me more than thank you cards and gifts. She gave me her friendship. We built a wonderful relationship which has turned 9 years this year. From my own point of view, she gave me her heart in gratitude for what I did.
Could it be that God wants more than our gifts, our service, and our outward confession that we love Him? Is there something more required of us?
.jpg)
In this 2009, We Will Love God With All Our Heart
Recall the purpose for this series is to learn what we should do as we expect to see/experience the physical manifestation of that which we desire.
Loving God with all your heart is the first and greatest commandment as stated, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” [Mtt 22:37-40, Mrk 12:28-34].
Loving God with your whole heart is the key to everything in life because your relationship with God affects everything and everyone in your life. You can’t love God and hate your neighbor. You can’t love God and continue living in sin.
We are commanded to love God with our whole heart. This is because it is possible to love God with only a part of your heart. Do you respond to God only when He does something good for you? Do you put other things before Him like relationship, work, or leisure? Have you forgotten your first love? [Rev. 2:4].
You might be going through some challenges in your life making you feel God does not love you anymore. But if you stop to listen, you will hear the voice of God reminding you that He loves you unconditionally, telling you that He wants you and hoping you could let Him in to fill the void in your heart. God is faithful and loving. Sometimes, He uses situations to get our attention yet He does not let the situation overwhelm us. Someone told me that for years she had been looking for a child. It was not until she was bedridden that she realized she had not opened her bible in 5 years. It was her time on the bed that she used to rebuild her relationship with God. Not long after, she had a baby.
Sometimes I think on Mary and the Alabaster Box [John 12:3]. It suddenly dawned on
me that when she poured out the contents of the alabaster jar on Jesus, she knew that the ointment was nothing compared to the worth of Jesus Christ. It was a sacrifice that came from the heart. That is when an offering or a sacrifice has meaning. God sees our hearts and He knows our motives. It is what is in our hearts that matter to Him.It is not too late to say “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting…” [Psalms 139:23-24].
Love God with all your heart. He already loves You. Tell me, has He not been good to you in this 2009? Do not forget the Lord your God [Deut 8:10-11].
For Further Reading
1. How to Love God with all your heart
2. The Greatest Commandment
3. Love God With All Your Heart
For other posts in this series please visit the links below:
1. In This 2009, We Will Pray for Others
2. In This 2009, We Will Worship The Lord
3. In This 2009, We Will Know God for Ourselves
4. In This 2009, We Will Guard Our Hearts
5. In This 2009, We Will Sow Seeds
6. In This 2009, We Will Speak Right
Have a blessed week and new month ahead.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Infant Steps: How do I help a Backsliding Friend?
Beloved EROLyrics Readers,
Hope your week has started out beautifully. Covenant grace and peace be to you in the name of Jesus our Lord and Savior, who reigns forevermore.
Today’s question on the Infant Steps Series has to do with backsliding but in this case, not the person asking the question. What will you do if someone you love is backsliding? How can you help? What if you try and all your efforts seem futile? Have you ever been in such a situation? Please read Patience’s question below and help her out with your spirit-led suggestions. Thank you.
Dear Rita,
I love my best friend. What brought us together was her leading me to Christ. This happened when we were in secondary school. She has been amazing. She followed up on me. She taught me most of the principles I know in walking with God. We have been
friends all through secondary school and now in the University. I felt we were inseparable.
Recently, my friend started having problems at home, which I would not like to disclose. It was quite traumatic for her. Initially, she was praying and believing God for a favorable solution to the situation. What she expected did not happen. I noticed that after a while, she was not interested in going to fellowship or church service. She always claimed that studies were making her too busy. We used to make out time each week to pray together but all of a sudden, she could not meet up with the appointments. I haven’t seen my friend doing anything out of the ordinary but I feel strongly that she is backsliding. I have been praying for her.
I had a talk with her and she told me I was misunderstanding her, that nothing has changed in her relationship with God.
Am I wrong in what I suspect? Is there anything I can do for my friend to help reignite the fire she had for God? If she eventually walks away from God and I cannot help her, will I be at fault?
Patience.
If you have any questions you would like to discuss on the Infant Steps Series, please drop me an email at esurunma@gmail.com or leave the question as a comment in any of my blog posts.
If you want to view past questions and answers on the Infant Steps Series, please check the list on the sidebar right of the blog.
All posts on the Infant Steps Series will be posted on Tuesdays, 9 AM West Africa Time.
Hope your week has started out beautifully. Covenant grace and peace be to you in the name of Jesus our Lord and Savior, who reigns forevermore.
Today’s question on the Infant Steps Series has to do with backsliding but in this case, not the person asking the question. What will you do if someone you love is backsliding? How can you help? What if you try and all your efforts seem futile? Have you ever been in such a situation? Please read Patience’s question below and help her out with your spirit-led suggestions. Thank you.
Dear Rita,
I love my best friend. What brought us together was her leading me to Christ. This happened when we were in secondary school. She has been amazing. She followed up on me. She taught me most of the principles I know in walking with God. We have been
friends all through secondary school and now in the University. I felt we were inseparable.Recently, my friend started having problems at home, which I would not like to disclose. It was quite traumatic for her. Initially, she was praying and believing God for a favorable solution to the situation. What she expected did not happen. I noticed that after a while, she was not interested in going to fellowship or church service. She always claimed that studies were making her too busy. We used to make out time each week to pray together but all of a sudden, she could not meet up with the appointments. I haven’t seen my friend doing anything out of the ordinary but I feel strongly that she is backsliding. I have been praying for her.
I had a talk with her and she told me I was misunderstanding her, that nothing has changed in her relationship with God.
Am I wrong in what I suspect? Is there anything I can do for my friend to help reignite the fire she had for God? If she eventually walks away from God and I cannot help her, will I be at fault?
Patience.
If you have any questions you would like to discuss on the Infant Steps Series, please drop me an email at esurunma@gmail.com or leave the question as a comment in any of my blog posts.
If you want to view past questions and answers on the Infant Steps Series, please check the list on the sidebar right of the blog.
All posts on the Infant Steps Series will be posted on Tuesdays, 9 AM West Africa Time.
Friday, November 20, 2009
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 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 shortEven 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
Friday, November 13, 2009
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.
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.
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