Nothing Bad ever comes from him...

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

_If you won't give God credit for the favours he has done you, then,please, don't blame him for your defeat. It is not fair to the Almighty. Blasphemy._

*Let us let this sink in...for it has gone beyond high time.*

*_God either gives what is Good &perfect OR he painstakingly makes us unwrap& joyfully find the Good&perfect in everything._*
(James 1:17)

*_*Nothing bad ever comes from God.And even when they are bound to happen in this trouble-stricken world, his escape route hax already been laid over 2000 years on the cross._* (1Cor.10:13)

*SO I SAY:*
*Let us learn to accept God in everything...For God and his ways has never failed the finest test.*

*Your All Round Devotional- OTM'19 inching closer...😊🙌🏻*

You Are More...

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

_You are more than who you are sexually attracted to._
_You are more than what your failures make you look like._

_You are more than where your instincts drives you._
_You are more than how treacherous you've been in the past._ _You are still more than how much this world has consumed you._

The Truth is
*You are NOT more than who God says you are.*

*SO I SAY:*
*For Who we are is in Christ Jesus. Let's kept finding ourselves in him reflecting our nature as his chosen ones.*

*Your All Round Devotional- OTM'19 got closer...😊🙌🏻...Details...*

The Christian Classes...

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

*_I think every Christian (& by extension every human being) should take a class on CHARACTER,HUMILITY, FAITHFULNESS and above all LOVE_*

(@Kirk Franklin Inspired)

*_We all need this and the BIBLE is the best Classroom with JESUS being the model teacher to take us through._*

Verses to read:...
2 Kings 12:15, Prov.10:9, 1 Pet.5:6,Hosea 2:20,Rom.12:9

*SO I SAY:*
These are some of the key lessons we need to be taught to face this *LIFE* as Christians in it. *We All Need This!*

*Your All Round Devotional- OTM'19 beckons...😊🙌🏻...Details...*

Sometimes as Christians...

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

*_Sometimes as Christians, we behave like that stubborn child who knows what not to do but still does it anyway._*

Paul said _
_For I do not do the good I want to do,but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep in doing._(Rom. 7:19)

_My Grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness._(2 Cor.12:9)

*SO I SAY:*
May you help  us to continually access your Grace in  order to do as you will.

*Help us Dear Lord!*

*OTM'19 is Coming...😊🙌🏻...Details...*

The Wait... On This Morning'19

The Wait...
On This Morning'19

OTM'19

5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻

...

*ON THIS MORNING (IN BRIEF*)

Hello  my #OTM Peeps,

*On This Morning*

Returns tomorrow with

*On This Morning (In Brief)*

*It is your All Round Devotional...#Blessings*

*RELATIONSHIP is EVERYTHING (The Second Quotes)*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

We put the end tie to our Relationship is Everything mini series with some fab Quotes again.

*Blessings here:*
*"We can improve our relationships with others by leaps and bounds if we become encouragers instead of critics.”*

*Someone to tell it to is one of the fundamental needs of human beings.”*

*“Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow.”-Swedish Proverb*

1 Thessalonians 5:11- *So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.*

Acts 28:2- *The natives showed us extraordinary kindness; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all.*

*Trust is to human relationships what faith is to gospel living. It is the beginning place, the foundation upon which more can be built. Where trust is, love can flourish.-Barbara Smith*

*Commitment is inherent in any genuinely loving relationship.- M Scott Peck*

*Little kindness and courtesies are so important. In relationships, the little things are the big things.- Stephen R. Covey*

*Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.- Oprah Winfrey*

*Personal relationships are the fertile soil from which all advancement...all success... all achievement in real life grows.- Ben Stein*

*Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand. - Emily Kimbrough*

*Some of the biggest challenges in relationships come from the fact that most people enter a relationship in order to get something: they're trying to find someone who's going to make them feel good. In reality, the only way a relationship will last is if you see your relationship as a place that you go to give, and not a place that you go to take. -Anthony Robbins*

*Trust is the glue of life. It's the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It's the foundational principle that holds all relationships.-- Stephen R. Covey*

*When you look for the good in others, you discover the best in yourself.-Martin Walsh*

*Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”-Marcel Proust*

*SO I SAY:*
*Relationship is Everything... Don't Toy with it!...It is a Wrap!*

*RELATIONSHIP is EVERYTHING (The General)*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

Inching close to ending this series & I like the sub title- *The General*😃

So we live in a world not just with close intimate people but  with people from all walks of life.

The truth is sometimes our many intercourse with such people may even take many rounds than our friendship lovemaking with our close people.😉

The truth is not all the important things we need in life can be obtained from people we term as Close people.

Another Truth is that there was a reason God put us in this basket of Life where we are bound to come across each other.

This simple reason is shown in *Rom.12:12- One Body, Many Parts.* We are to see ourselves as one people in Christ, supporting&complimenting one another to build that one body unit in Christ.

What underpins this is or should be- *LOVE*-Remember, all the laws have all been summed up into-Love God& *Love your Neighbour( which is General) as yourself*

So, Now this:
_How come almost all your associations&interactions are terribly bad& you know it is mostly your undoing..Admit it!_

_How come everyone's report about you is bad as they overtly&covertly forewarn the new ones who try to get close to you_

_How come you look back and you can't find even one person within those brackets to rely on in time of need...well,unless you fake something up_

_How come you don't seem to care about the many toes you step on...all that matters is to get there..Get there& i bet you will see the nothingness of them all...Relationship!_

_How come with all your talent,giftings,skills,attributes you only seem to be hanging in there & not as successful as should...Check...maybe Your Relationship?_

_How come?...have you sat down to think about it...That genuinely the many that surround you only seem to be containing you perhaps because of what thy will get&truly not people to rely on_

Beloved, it is high time we cared about our Relationships whether Close or  General.

It may interest you to know that God is interested in our relations with others. Sadly, we are quietly losing many in the faith because of our  stinking (human) Relationships.

God is telling you that he wants to win the many dying souls whether within &without also through this. Take Note!

_Remember, even with God, the more we stay away from our Personal Relationship with him,the more we lose him._

*SO I SAY:*
*All we are Saying with all these is that RELATIONSHIP is EVERYTHING Close or General.. Never TOY with it*

(Let's end the series with some quotes tomorrow)

*GOD* _( OTMSpecial)_

*(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)*

*(Where Are You?...Hope you find yourself...)*

_If it *just* took all the Nobility, Discipline, Innocence & Quietness to....Then it is Those people...I don't know where that would leave you?_

_If *just* being in& around this world embracing all the vices were the disqualifers, I wouldn't even bother, I am already steeped..._

_If all that was required was an unassuming,Creative&witty Self, then you know them ...Count me out._

_If a dull,dumb,self proclaimed useless was a no fit...Then I know myself&would mind my own business._

_If the demands was Good looks, a charming&presentable self with that aura, then those pool are over there...look no further_

_If that despicable, annoying, in your face& want to impress figure is a No-No,then I surrender it all to self._

_If a Good heart,Gentle Soul, Generous self&a Good name, then we know those to pinpoint..._

_If wickedness,callousness,greediness &a bad reputation...in my genes..i tick all the boxes_

*In all these a lot has happened & keep on happening...Telling us it is not what it seems...*

*...That all has fallen short & that noone can be unless it has been given from above*

*Then I met you...not in the temple but in my heart...*

*And I knew if It had not been...It had not been for You...Where will we be?*

_*So This is What I Will Say,It has Been YOU...*_

           *...GOD🙌🏻*

*(Whoever🗣....Seek him!...Find Him!... An #OTM Special🙏🏻)*

*RELATIONSHIP is EVERYTHING (The Close Ones)*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

What happened to faithfulness,loyalty, honesty...Being there...A friend? ( _The David&Jonathan one comes to mind.)_

Hmm the camel passing through the needle is even easier.No wonder for many this subject is wiped out from their plate. _(Do you blame them...😉)_

However, I've always said that if there is no single person on earth who can prove trustworthy, then we are doomed. _(There was at least a few in Sodom right?...& *so there are today*)_

You'll definitely need someone.It may be hard to find but if you rely on him, he'll lead you to the waiting arms of such equally expecting people.Remember, the all in all Jesus  had people from the lot,in fact an inner circle(close people) to work with.

Aside all the things we see in John 15, I see this, that (close) Relationship is key... That, it is everything&that is what God required first before the blessings (Matt.6:33)
_ “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener... Remain in me, as I also remain in you.No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me...._

*NOW THIS UNTO OUR CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS:*
*If you say she is a close pal, why does she take your issues,troubles,joy&pains as hers...Always going  the extra mile when it is even clear she can do little. What about hers?... Are you in it?...What is the Relationship?*

*If you say you are close, why does he see no difference without you... Why is there no forward looking with you in it...What do you add to the Relationship?... Are you in it?...What is the Relationship?*

*If you have decided to remain as close pals,why do you betray her that way...*_(Recounting the many stories here?)_ *Where is the love?...What is the Relationship?*

*If you say he is close, why do you take him for granted,unduly&wilfully taking advantage...Where is the Love..What is the Relationship?*

*If you say you are close, why is it that what is holding the relationship are the material things...& you almost always have to explain yourself amidst the lies&contradictions?...Are you for it?...What is the Relationship?*

*And if you say you are close...JUST WHEN do you SHOW UP?...What is the Relationship?*

When God said I love those who love me...What he simply meant was that- He loves us all,Gives salvation to all yet to those who give it all, bear it all& commit it all&are close to him,they obtain more from him. It is biblical.Nothing is stopping you from committing to him.

However, if you continue to remain half-hearted, a time will come you will be cut off.(John 15,Prov.29)

And so when the above scenarios persist in our human relationships& you rightfully lose that aspect of that person, don't start raining those Bible verses on them as if they are the guilty ones. You certainly know the change cloth to wear in order to get back to the life train.

*The Akan Bible-Akok) )b3n )ni na )di ab3b3sr3 ampa(The hen who is closer to its mother eats the grasshopper's thigh🤣)*

*SO I SAY:*
*RELATIONSHIP is EVERYTHING-Dear CLOSE ONES... Keep it well&Don't Toy with it.*

*FASTING&its PRAYER on MEDITATE(The Others Version)*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

Last week we looked at _Fasting&its Prayer (The Isaiah version)._ Today, we throw it wide throughout scripture.

Fasting is normally treated as an alien to the Christian life. Meanwhile, it is just as part of the Christian life as the blessings we desire to claim everytime. *_(If we PAY OR REQUIRE people to fast&pray for us, why don't we allow them to take the blessings for us then?)_*

In Matt.4,Just before Jesus began his ministry,he started off with *Fasting&what I call its Prayer*...And from there it became a part of his 33-year stay on earth. _( *Remember, In Jesus' steps, we walk!*)_

Fasting is one of the key ways to prepare ourselves towards an impending assignment.However, it is important to be on guard at all times for the unknowns of life can catch us unawares.A reason we don't need to make it an option or only when things are bad.
It should be a LIFESTYLE... CULTIVATE IT!

A meditate on these verses will do:
_2 Samuel 1:12-They mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the LORD and for the nation of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword._

_Acts 13:2-While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said,“Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”_

_Acts 14:23-Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust._

_Exodus 34:28-Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments_

_Joel 2:12-13-“Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”Rend your heart and not your garments.Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity._

_Acts 13:3-4-So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus._

_Daniel 9:3-5 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. 4 I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed: “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments..._

_Matthew 4:4 - _But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God._

_Joel 1:14-Consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD._

_Matt.6:16-18-“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you._

*SO I SAY:*
*MAKE IT A HABIT...MAKE IT A LIFESTYLE...ONCE A WEEK IS ALL YOU NEED TO START...Fasting & its Prayer..MEDITATE!*

*Ex-Communication-DETAILING CONTROVERSIAL CONTROVERSIES*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

Heyy, the fun-loving  ever running series *Controversial Controversies*
is back&this time &for the weeks ahead, we'll be Detailing them-My Views &yours as well.
We look at what is locally called 'Ntu S3n' (that is Ex-Communication)

First of all, I believe we're all responsible for our own actions. Wherever we are now is due to our actions.This is its meaning- _Either one which is guided by God to reach that height or another fueled by our own flesh towards this low._
And so it falls back to God's Grace for you, the Christian.Ours in it is to count on that Grace to get to where he has placed us.

With that said, since we humans look at the outward,if you go and enjoy your sex and *ONLY get pregnant 'a',* you don't expect the Church to clap for you.And it will be bad&bizzare for them to do nothing.

The Shock&its surprise(Are we anymore😉) is expected esp. if you're seen in that 'spiritual light'.It is okay if you are relieved of your position&its responsibilities. Some 'smooth' scolding by the elders are all in order I believe.

However, THIS IS IT... We are mostly interested in the fall&punishment forgetting that the act &tag associated with it is already humiliating enough for them unless one who doesn't have a conscience.Anytime an example is to be given...guess what? we will be thinking&looking at them.

Beloved, what is key in all these is the GET BACK UP AGAIN(Spiritual Health & Reformation)...
This is what Jesus is most interested in.Ain't we all imitating the Christ?...In his steps, we walk!...

So this is what Jesus did-Never did he encourage Mary Magdalene _( see my description here-the *prostitute*)_ in her sins but he discouraged any act  that sought to make it impossible for her to Rise up again. _(Prov.24:16 -For though a righteous man falls seven times, he will get up...)_

As a church, this should be central in our move even as we embark on this. *And come on THAT SITTING AT THE BACK& DRIVING OUT OF THE CHURCH 'no de3'...* Thank God,it has reduced drastically  because that rather hardens them. LET'S STOP!

Church,(which is You&I) even as we make the act uncomfortable,let's ensure we make the 'fallen' ones comfortable as we  comfort,console, bring them close&restore them back to the faith.

Remember,Jesus has commissioned us to fulfil these words in his absence- it is the sick who needs a Doctor &it is the sinners he came for not the righteous.

Finally, I just 'wonna' say Hello to all those  who do crucify them,crucify them meanwhile you are in it,you're only not been caught.God Has seen you.(👀Onyame Ahu Wo...👀)

*SO I SAY Ending in these words by my ardent readers:*
_Christians are not happy when the hear the word excommunication but the bible say it all in 1 Cor 5:1-13_ *(Serwaa)*

_There must be another way to go about it Counseling will do...Because of it people deny or lie about their misconduct to stay in the church Even if they're expelled it's not a ticket for repentance_*(Mrs Zigah)*

_The church is supposed to be a lifeboat rescuing the perishing, the wounded and blemished but that don't mean we should tolerate immoral behavior too._*(Adelaide)*

*FASTING&its PRAYER on MEDITATE(The Isaiah Version)*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

_*Prayer and Fasting can be likened to Learning. Learning can take place anywhere&anytime but sometimes to be able to have a full&effective grasp, it is important to get into a quiet,serene place and soak it well.*_

*We can pray anywhere&at anytime but sometimes it is needed to withdraw to a secluded place,wait&gain more from God. This is where Fasting comes in to effectively help us in our wait.It takes us from the surface to the deeper things of God. *Whoever the christian you are,You Need this!*

*In a time where the pursuit of money, wealth,fame, success, even to make ends meet is a big challenge...The last thing to think about is Fasting?...We know it is there... It is good...but hardly does it come to mind let alone...*

*And in all fairness, you look at your current predicament&the unending sequels to it, Prayer even becomes difficult let alone consider Fasting.*

*However, Fasting&its prayer is one of the keys that hold us as Christians in this passing World*

Sure this special Fasting Scripture from Isaiah 58 will help even as you meditate on them:

*Isaiah 58:3-7-_*
_3‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers._
_4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high._
_5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD?_

_6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?_

_7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?_

*SO I SAY:*
*MAKE IT A HABIT...MAKE IT A LIFESTYLE...ONCE A WEEK IS ALL YOU NEED TO START...Fasting & its Prayer..MEDITATE!*

(Let's do another part tomorrow morning)

*Relationship is Everything (The Close Ones)*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

It is all about the value of Relationships. Appreciating our relationships with one another as a  people in this mini series. *That is the objective*

Jesus knew this& that is why he rounded up the whole laws in 2 Relationship cycle
*First, Loving God& then Loving your Neighbour as yourself.*(Matthew22:36)

_And ooh does it always have to be about Romantic Relationships😍...Well, That is a very special one(Anyway,it is soon coming here on the Rel Series)._

_And *just for now* we are *not* talking about those casual or very formal business relationships...There are people we just click when we see each other &there are those we have very nice working relationships with&case closed._

On the table, we are talking about those we consider close, *friends* even considered brothers.

The questions are: Are there any today?...Is it even necessary?... Is it worth it to have?...Are you one?...Do you have one?

What goes on there
?...in that Relationship?... What are the scales like...Are they  balanced?..In as much as the relationship is unconditional esp.the Close ones, should one person be bearing all the burden?

In our next edition, we will clearly bring you the templates with Jesus' inner/close Relationshipswith his disciples, the use of John 15....but let me whet your appetite with this...

*God loves everybody...No doubt!..but in Proverbs, he says *'I love those who love me🤨...And those who seek me,find me....*  (Prov.8:17).

*The difference in this seemingly conflicting truths is how Intimate our Relationship with God is though he gives all salvation...*

*SO I SAY:*
*We are not done... but just do know Relationship is Everything!...Don't Toy with it!*

*GIVE IT TO GOD(FA MA NYAME)*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

Ordinarily, *Give It to God* won't be a bad advice.Would it?...In fact, it will be the best since our God knows and wields all the power...

Well, not in the African setting especially Ghana where I hail from. People have become *tired* of the other(mostly I stress mostly their fellow Christians) abusing *this best advice of 'Fa Ma Nyame'* to intentionally cheat, deceive, manipulate and finely take undue advantage.

Then, after everything, they or some other people will come to plead... _'ooh 3ny3 hwee, Fa ma Nyame'(ooh,you let it go,Give it to God )_

No wonder, *Duab)* _(properly known as  Imprecation&commonly known as Curse)_ is so Common.That has become People's best devised strategy today.

However, in all these, I ask not overlooking your pain, hurt,sweat,the sacrifices & the naked unfairness....

...How has your resorting to *Duab)* or any other human ways cured the wickedness in this world?... The unfairness to you?...Has it stopped?..The truth is it keeps compounding.

Indeed, the ways of man are not of God as Proverbs tells us.
_Romans 12:19-Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”_

Beloved, at the end of the day, All it takes is to *GIVE IT ALL TO GOD!*
I think mostly, this rich biblical saying has been misinterpreted.
*Give it to God does not mean Be or stand at that same position to be cheated or manipulated. It means to be wise,prudent and allow God to guide your steps right.*

*Give it God does not mean continue to do hmm hmm& say Yes whiles naively hurting& grieving.*
*Give it to God means be firm& bold to say No whiles not being rude or going the extreme to lose that person in the faith.*

*Again, Give it to God does not mean continue to accept&allow those mediocrities & 'little wrongs as they say in order not to seen in a 'way.'*
*Give it to God  means helping&defying all those negative human obstacles to correct& establish what is Right AS LED..I repeat AS LED BY THE SPIRIT.*(sure, you add more..😉😎)

Let's wrap it up with these scriptures:
Romans 12:17
_Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him;...for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good._

Romans 8:28
_And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose._

*SO I SAY:*
*THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS TO GIVE IT TO GOD.MAY THE GOOD GOD HELP US IN DOING THIS RIGHT....'FA MA NYAME!'*

*Masturbation(Sexual Immorality) on MEDITATE*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

Woo...these things😳😬
*...YET let's Talk about them...And Need I remind you the verses coming...(So, Tell me What will you not find in the Bible..That's for another day)*

So like this, if you take a sharp object,hurt yourself,blood oozing just for no good reason...What other thing should we call this other than Unusual,Strange&...

Well, the above is how I will describe this self stimulating sexual behaviour... *masturbation* which is really spreading thick & fast across the divide...even sadly among Christians.

*Isn't the proper alternative so available(Thus,the Sposue) no matter the* so called good reasons' *we may raise with resulting to it*...Well, then I might as well get on some hard drugs to calm my nerves when lethargic/nervous...

*This is how a site describes it whether  normal or not*
_While it once was regarded as a perversion and a sign of a mental problem, masturbation now is regarded as a normal, healthy sexual activity that is pleasant, fulfilling, acceptable, and safe. It is a good way to experience sexual pleasure and can be done throughout life._

*NOW SHALL WE LET THE BIBLE ANSWER THE REST OF THE QUESTIONS.. TAKE NOTE!..MEDITATE!*

*Leviticus 15:2 -“Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When any man has a discharge from his body, his discharge is unclean.*

*Leviticus 15:16-17 -“If a man has an emission of semen, he shall bathe his whole body in water and be unclean until the evening. And every garment and every skin on which the semen comes shall be washed with water and be unclean until the evening.*
(Get to Read the whole Leviticus 15...Though of the old testament... Puts things in proper perspective)

*1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 - For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;*

*James 1:14-15-But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.*

*Romans 6:13 -Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.*

*1 Corinthians 6:19-20-Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.*

*Psalm 119:9-10-How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!*

*Galatians 5:1-For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.*

*Titus 2:11-12-For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,*

*SO I SAY:*
*AS YOU MEDITATE&PRAY OVER these verses, MAY GOD DELIVER YOU FROM ANY FORM OF SEXUAL IMMORALITY(Masturbation)*

*Pornography(Sexual immorality)* on *MEDITATE*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

Ooh don't 😳...hehe.
On the first part this morning,we are focusing on Pornography,an aspect of sexual immorality today on Meditate.

From my standpoint,these two are its major causes.Some enter into it because of _peer influence_& many others because of *Curiosity.*

Many are locked in it but note that it is not simply about the erotic physical images seen but it is very spiritual& most importantly *DEVILISH.*

Sex is of God.God created it meaning it is Good _(Gen.1&2,Gen.1:28)_.However, not in the form the devil has fakely presented it rather making you a slave to it(Addiction).

To unlock oneself from this bondage, it takes the WORD, HOLY SPIRIT,PRAYER. As I share these verses with you, please make time to Meditate& Go to God in prayer especially if you are in it. No matter how hard you've tried to stop, *HE WILL DELIVER YOU!*🙌🏻🙏🏻(You don't always have to be prayed for)

You can also Pray for someone known&unknown to get out of this.

*Now,THE VERSES:*
*Proverbs 7:21-27 -With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him. All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast till an arrow pierces its liver; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life. And now, O sons, listen to me, and be attentive to the words of my mouth. Let not your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths, ...*

*2 Samuel 11:2-5-It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king's house, that *he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful. And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, “Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” So David sent messengers and took her, and she came to him, and he lay with her..*

*Psalm 119:37-Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.*

*1 Corinthians 6:18-Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.*

*James 1:14-15-But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.*

*Psalm 119:9-10-How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!*

*Job 31:1-“I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?*

*2 Timothy 2:22-So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.*

*Psalm 101:3-I will not set before my eyes anything that as worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.*

*Ephesians 5:5 -For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.*

*Titus 2:11-12-For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,*

*SO I SAY:*
*AS YOU MEDITATE&PRAY OVER these verses, MAY GOD DELIVER YOU FROM ANY FORM OF SEXUAL IMMORALITY(Pornography)*

*(Let's do another part this evening)*

*Relationship is Everything(The First Quotes)*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻 )

I bring you more 🔥, interesting&deeper insight on the mini series- *Relationship is Everything*

Here we Go😎:
*_At the heart of life lie the relationships we have with other people._*

*_It's always been a great survival value for people to believe they belong to a superior tribe. That's just in human relationships.-E. O. Wilson._*

*_Human relationships used to be easy: you had friends, boy- or girlfriends, parents, children, and landlords. Now, thanks to social media, it's all gone sideways.-Susan Orlean._*

*_If you think you are easily irritated by people, guess what? You irritate other people easily too!-Olumide Lawrence._*

*_Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other.But how can one be warm alone?-Eccl. 4:9-11_* 😉

*_When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are.”– Donald Miller._*

*_“You don’t develop courage by being happy in your relationships everyday. You develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity.”— Epicurus_*

*_“We are afraid to care too much, for fear that the other person does not care at all.”—Eleanor Roosevelt._*

*_“The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them.”— Thomas Merton_*

*_Assumptions are the termites of relationships.”- Henry Winkler_*

*_“Relationships-of all kinds-are like sand held in your hand. Held loosely, with an open hand, the sand remains where it is. The minute you close your hand and squeeze tightly to hold on, the sand trickles through your fingers.You may hold onto some of it, but most will be spilled.A relationship is like that.Held loosely, with respect and freedom for the other person, it is likely to remain intact.But hold too tightly, too possessively, and the relationship slips away and is lost.”_*

*SO I SAY:*
*This is the First Quotes on Human Relationships...Remember, Relationship is Everything...Don't Toy with it! (THe Mini Series is still on...😊)*

*_RELATIONSHIP_ is _EVERYTHING (The Intro)_*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

*What do you expect of the RELATIONSHIP if the only time you SHOW up is when you are in need?*

*How do you expect the RELATIONSHIP to be&the love to be deep if you only check up when a very unlikely situation only reminds you...?*

*How far do you expect the RELATIONSHIP to go if your only focus has been on  thy gettings&not thy givings?*

*What do you think?... It may not have (genuinely) been said but in the end, it is the memory left&the idea behind it, that means so much& not JUST the actions?*

*Beloved, if not for Sin that caved in, the one most important thing that interested God wasn't all the beautiful creations there in heaven but the RELATIONSHIP that existed between himself,Adam&Eve.*(Gen.3.)

*Why do you think he created you& especially in his own image&likeness?... It wasn't because because he needed your help but as a matter of Relationship.No wonder, the christian life is equated to PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD!*

*My focus here-How do you treat your Relationships?... GENERALLY&with CLOSE ONES.*

This is just the intro. As we delve deeper you will understand more on this mini series.

In the end, It is the relationship that truly matters to them.What holds Iit are those *small sticky yet priceless particles of life...Brace yourselves for them.😁*

*SO I SAY:*
*RELATIONSHIP IS EVERYTHING...Don't TOY with it*

(More 🔥 to come😉...You can't miss the Quotes on this tomorrow😊😊)

*You are Beautiful-Mercy Me Inspired

*(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)*

Before I bring you, *'Relationship is Everything'* this evening, I bring you another edition of Song message from Mercy Me.

Be blessed!

_Days will come when you don't have the strength. When all you hear is you're not worth anything_

_Wondering if you ever could be loved.And if they truly saw your heart, they'd see too much._

_You're beautiful...You're beautiful.You are made for so much more than all of this._

_You're beautiful...You're beautiful.You are treasured, you are sacred.You are His. *You're beautiful.*_

_Praying that you have the heart to fight 'Cause you are more than what is hurting you tonight._

_For all the lies you've held inside so long.They are nothing in the shadow of the cross._

_Before you ever took a breath.Long before the world began.Of all the wonders He possessed...There was one more precious_

_Of all the earth and skies above.You're the one He madly loves.Enough to die..._

_You're beautiful...You're beautiful.You are made for so much more than all of this._

_You're beautiful...You're beautiful.You are treasured, you are sacred.You are His. *You're beautiful.*_

*SO I SAY:*
*BE VERY MUCH ENCOURAGED... KNOW WHO YOU ARE...YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL😊*

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7C2o0jHNRuU

GOD'S SANDPAPER(FROM OUR DAILY BREAD)*_

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

I loved the title just with a glimpse of it the day before.I sensed it was going to be good as usurp. And so here we go:
_My Friend's words stung.Trying to Sleep,I battled to stop muling over her pointed comments about my strong opinions. As I lay there, I asked for God's wisdom and peace._

_Several weeks later,still concerned about the matter, I prayed, "I hurt Lord,but show me where I need to change.Show me where she's right._

_My friend had acted as God's sandpaper in my life.My feelings felt rubbed raw,but I sensed that how I responded would lead to the building of my character-or not. My choice was to submit to the smoothing process,confessing my pride and stubborn stance. I sensed that my imperfections didn't glorify the Lord._

_King Solomon knew that life in community could be difficult, a theme he addressed in the *book of proverbs.In chapter 27,* we see his wisdom applied to relationships.He likens the sharp words between friends as iron sharpening iron: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another"v.17 shaving off the rough edges in each other's behaviour._

_The process may bring about wounds,such as the hurt I felt from my friend's words(v.6),but ultimately the Lord can use these words to help and encourage us to make needed changes in our attitude and behaviour._

_How might the Lord be smoothing out your rough edges for his glory?_

_The Lord Allows our rough edges to be smoothed over through the Sandpaper of Life._

_*Lord, this shaping process hurts but I want to submit to the process.Mould me and Smooth me*_🙏🏻

*SO I SAY:*
*THIS IS GOD'S SANDPAPER from OUR DAILY BREAD.*

*PREPARED?...READY?... on Meditate*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

_Kindly Meditate on this opening question and answer here if you may_

*What Will you tell Jesus if he shows up at your door right now and say-Time to go...I am here to take you home?*

*WILL YOU BE READY?...ARE YOU READY to meet him?*

*BELOVED, ARE YOU PREPARED FOR HIS SECOND COMING*

_Let's Ponder on these verses on Meditate this evening_

_Matthew 24:44 -Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect._

_Matthew 24:42-44 So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected._

_Luke 21:36 Be alert at all times.Pray so that you have the power to escape everything that is about to happen and to stand in front of the Son of Man._

_Mark 13:32-33- However ,no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!_

_1 Peter 5:8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith._

_Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can fight against the devil’s evil tricks._

_Hebrews 11:7-By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith._

_1 John 2:28 -And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming._

_Luke 21:36- But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”_

*SO I SAY:*
*LET'S MEDITATE ON THESE...FOR JESUS IS COMING SOON...PREPARE TO MEET HIM*

*(Nyame Ay3bi oo...The Story)*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

_...Out of nothing, Russell just burst out from the house &started a run...One that Usain Bolt would have to dig deep to even outrun._
_It was as if he had been plugged...What could have made him..._

_So for the past few weeks, 28-Year Old JHS Graduate Russell Aning had been indoors grieving over his many failures& losses._

_When he knelt down to pray that early morning, he quickly went back to his favourite chair saying..._
*_'What is there to be thankful for?_'...* _he said with a frustrating look which obviously was for God._

_First, was a heartless mother who never took care of them until her demise. He has had to sacrifice all his life.The difficulty in Forgoing his education,the troubles in securing that family house, the agony of taking multiple jobs as a teen just to get his younger ones through school._

He wondered as he inquired of himself... _*'How have we been able to stay alive all these years...'*_ Something there struck him but he went back to his sorrows as they seem the best comfort.

*_So Lord, I accepted the Challenge&have worked so hard to get my younger brother through University education but did he also have to end up jobless like me...How do we fend for our younger sister completing Junior High education._*

_And so the day before,it was the song   recounting God's goodness&the need to be grateful at all times that irritated Russell. His constant shout of Asieduwaa, his younger sister to come &change the channel never yielded never any result._

_As her punishment, she was made to spend the night at the dusty room where their late mother rested. Russell hated that room&never went close because of his views of her._

*_"My children, i regret for not taking care of you as a mother should.Knowing Christ in this last stage of my life...I pray that the good Lord will himself take care of you, protect&guide you knowing the evil family I come from that hate prosperity. Yes, you will go through troubles but never ever will you lack.He, God will make you GREAT!...This is my prayer and so shall it be..._*

_This was as Russell surprisingly entered the room to check up on her sister...He was utterly shocked but the big shock was the next open letter which the sister read that sought to offer financial assistance to her children just for the service their mother provided to some foreign mission years ago.The letter still awaited a response._

_This threw Russell from the room diffusing all the hate&hopelessness...He then Runn off as he finally knelt  in the middle of the streets somewhere to shout... *NYAME AY3BI ooooooo*_

*SO I SAY:*
*THIS IS NYAME AY3BI OOOO.....  THE STORY...HOPE YOU ARE BLESSED!*

*WHAT HE EXPECTS...(2)*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)*

_All of a sudden the Click-Clack sound of her well-pointed high heels drew all the attention to her as the Auditorium went dead silent._

_Looking all hip with a see through top& shredded fitting Jeans revealing certain 😳😳parts coupled with an overly dose of  multicoloured facial make up; she eyed the man on the podium, stretched her hand pointing straight to him._

_All the many eyes correspondingly moved from her very predictable self to one of their 'suspected' leaders who stood right there 'frozen'. She noisily catwalked albeit seductive and stood right beside the leader whispering something into his ears._

_There was a startling noise at the back as some muscularly built young men had wanted to whisk her away but the *curious& excited head Pastor* signaled them to stop._

_Her countenance changed suddenly as her teary voice shocked the entire auditorium:_

_*I saw them that fateful day...They saved that man's life with just the knock on his door as part of their *HOUSE to HOUSE EVANGELISM.*
*He had served God all his years but had lost it all. If God didn't show up someway somehow, Atheism was his next bet&there was no turning back._*

*So She never bothered about her secret of being bi-sexual that fell into the hands of the Women's leader in the church. It wasn't her she trusted but the God in her. And Noone knew of this until she decided to tell her own story that eventful day.*

*I felt loved& belonged...Virtually no back backbiting,envy,strife,sexual immorality et al.*
*It was my second home aside the christian home i was raised.That was good&that was church but i still needed to experience God for myself. Finally, that day came all these while I had not paid heed to the pure&unadulterated word that came...*

*Beloved, All these were 35years ago.... I speak to you Church&Church leaders of today?...Is that the body of Christ we see today...Let this speak to you.*

*Wondering what happened to me?....*

She giggled& suddenly fell down... as the head Pastor woke up from that revealing dream... _*He Wondered -what is God saying... What does he expect of us... OF ME... How do I tell the church this🤔... How?...DRAMATISE...?*🤔😉_

*SO I SAY:*
*Take Note of how the Story above carries a lot of lessons of WHAT HE(GOD) EXPECTS OF US!*

(More to come...Running series)

*'WHAT HE EXPECTS OF US'...(1) (Luke10:30-37)*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

Ewurakua,Ewurama and Ewuraa met separately aside the church's own to study the word,discuss bothering questions on the christian front& pray.

For the past 2 weeks, they had not met together&so they were glad they finally did.The topic as Ewurama had posted on their 'E' group page was *'WHAT HE EXPECTS...'*

Just when Ewurakua was about to open to that Bible passage after the pleasantries&routine opening prayer,Ewuraa cut in.

She said _'Hmm, do you know i was here last 2 weeks?...This topic eee,it brings to mind...Anyway,So you remember that annoying neighbour who chooses when to greet or speak to you 'no'.When i was coming last 2weeks, i had this deep incline to speak to her but i ignored._

_'I came here&found noone&as if being pursued&with that strong incline, I drove home to meet Sister Yaa  seated right in front  of the building. As i stepped out,she quickly rushed to me, apologised & started what i call the confessions of a depressed married woman.'_

Ewurakwa comes in_ ... _' ooh so that is why you went to the Pastor&later the psychologist last week. I see...mmmm..i think i will also share this._

_You know Ogra had been my childhood friend&though i had been entertaining some of her bad habits,I didn't know  it influenced my teenage girl._
_Well, not until the last chat i overheard her dishing out to my young girl. That..'ooh Awurade!'...'Anuanom ee'...it could have spelt doom. I wanted to seriously give it to her but then i remembered the last discussion we had about Our Words._

_I still went to her& with a lot of restraint registered my displeasure as well as straighten the relationship.Can you believe she called an hour ago to tell me of how well i treated the issue had helped to look at her life once again._

Ewurama then concluded&said ' _Ladies,it looked like God has through your stories thoroughly exhausted the topic.Listening  to you,i get why i was led to Pray for some people last week._

As they closed that eventful meeting, Ewurama told them of how their small regular meetings had been an example for many to emulate in that vicinity.

*SO I SAY:*
*TAKE NOTE OF HOW THE STORIES ABOVE CARRY A LOT OF LESSONS OF WHAT HE(GOD) EXPECTS OF US IN OUR DAILY LIVES.*
(This will  be a running series..LOOK OUT )

And so with this, you know What to Expect tomorrow evening in *WHAT TO EXPECT...(2)*😉😃☺

*As For Me and My house...*(Joshua 24:15)

(5- Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)*

It is one of the most difficult statements to make especially as a parent.

You look around& see very good noble  Christian families _'raise their Children right'_ yet we see a lot fall off & that seems to be the order of the day. (And Pastors children?😉... )

...BUT I encourage&challenge you at the same time to boldly declare in ALL FAITH esp.the young ones coming that
*As For Me and my house, we will only serve the Lord.*🙌🏻🙏🏻

When Paul told the jailer in Acts 16:31 to *“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”*
It was further to emphasize what Jesus came to do on earth....To save all mankind which starts from the household/families. (We see how families can tear peoples faith apart so...)

In the book of Kings&Chronicles, a lot were unexplained but we some descendants who did right others did evil based on what their fathers did before.

So even for many Christians parents, though they have faith &hope, they hang on that thread  not knowing what their families will become. Is it a Generational curse, Family curse, their own actions/inactions or even that of the children...And it must be said not all can be explained.🤔

What do we do then?... Never Cease Praying & Committing  your children & family to the Lord's hand.(even before marriage).Beloved, It is more than the Children dedication we do. _For Prayer is like axing down a big tree, you don't bring it down with just one hit. _(Our elders in Twi say 'Ab)sobaa na 3ma gya pae3')_

We see Job praying&committingeven the uncommitted sins of his children...
_"Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” *This was Job’s regular custom."*_(Job 1:5)

When Proverbs told us to Train up a child in the way he should go so that when he grows he won't depart from it...It was more Spiritual than Physical.

_And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children. (Isaiah 54:13)_

This is it👆🏻 because comparing to the other, you look around&see the hardwork, training and discipline you put into your family yet theirs seem to be flourishing... You realise that it goes beyond just the physical.

Beloved, Your family may not look too good as the waywardness&worldliness seem to be on the ascendancy.That is why God has raised you✊🏻. Never give up,Keep on praying,Keep on Committing them to them.No matter how it looks like the Tree is falling down, don't give up at its peak point.

For it is never going to be easy just because you prayed but it is ever going to be possible because you prayed and committed it all to the God who knows it all.

Look around...Look around even in this gloomy world,and  testimonies abound(I know many) and that was just because they never gave up but prayed & committed their families to God... *#Believe*

SO I SAY:
*Like Joshua,As for me and my House, we have chosen to serve the Lord & so shall it be!(Personalised)*🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

*2ndComing&His Judgment on MEDITATE(Part 2)*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

We continue with the new phase of *MEDITATE* and that also means the Part 2 of Jesus' second Coming.

We want to make it to heaven but hardly do we want to hear about these& *Prepare* ourselves for them.

Why don't we Meditate on these verses once again:
*2 Corinthians 5:10-For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad._*

*Matthew 12:36-37-"But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment."For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."*

*1Thessalonians 4:16-17- For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.*

*Hebrews 9:28-So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.*

*Revelation 1:7-Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.*

*2 Peter 3:10-But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.*

*Matthew 24:44-Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect*

*John 6:39-40 - And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”*

*Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.*

*1 Thessalonians 3:13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.*

*SO I SAY:*
Let's MEDITATE on these... For *Jesus is Coming Soon... Prepare to meet Him.*

*Barbara J. Yoder Salvation Story*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

Straight we hit it with Barbara sharing her salvation story with us...Be blessed.

_Many times I have wished my coming to know Christ was easier.I was born into the middle of an evangelical revival center. I grew up sitting in sawdust on the floor of the tabernacle, listening to and living by the greats in the faith._

_As a small child, Billy Sunday’s widow was our next-door neighbor.Being raised in a Christian environment and home, I was “Christianized” from birth. My mother taught me to pray and memorize Scripture. Sundays were dedicated to church and family._

_When I was 11, a godly woman prophesied to my family about who I was to become, and it was spot on.The catch was that I never seemed to feel connected to God. And the faith I had was fear-based. I was tormented by the thought of going to hell.I was two people—one who would lead several hundred to the Lord in a meeting one day at high school, and one who would do just the opposite the next day. I longed to know God but couldn’t seem to find Him in a way that “stuck.”_

_My environment became toxic because of the church I had been raised in and the one I attended in high school. Actions by a member of our church scarred my mother, who eventually committed suicide. My family was torn apart by grief. The church eventually suffered when the pastor and several members committed adultery._

_I left the church, becoming a temporary atheist while in college. I was embittered by religion. God didn’t seem to work in the private lives of people in the church, and He certainly didn’t feel very caring to me. So I moved on._

_Living the life of an intellectual and professor at a major university, I became desperate. I could never seem to leave behind the questions: Is God really real, and if so, is He a personal God whom I need to know? If I don’t know Him, will I end up in hell?_

_I immersed myself in reading both non-Christian and Christian philosophers. I closed myself off to most Christians because of their seemingly lack of authentic faith. Nothing touched the vacuum in my heart until I read Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book T he Cost of Discipleship. He talked about taking the leap of faith._

_While reading his book, I said to God, “If You exist, I have a few things to talk over with You.” At that moment, Jesus walked into my room. I was overcome with liquid love and wept my way back to God. From that moment on, I knew Jesus was real._

_It wasn’t, however, until a year later that I moved to Detroit, where I found myself in one of the largest churches in the nation at the time—a charismatic church, where I began to be discipled and eventually entered the ministry. I began to learn how to believe God, walk with God, overcome obstacles and know who I am in Christ._

*SO I SAY:*
*This is her Salvation Story...why don't you share yours to the many in this perishing world*

*2ndComing&His Judgment on MEDITATE(Part 1)*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

For the past weeks, I have changed the phase of the MEDITATE section of my *On This Morning* Devotional.

I have chosen& reminded you of certain vital topics,brought you their scriptural references so that you can chew on them&let God speak to you. _(Of Course, that is what the #Meditate section is about)_

I started with the Great Commission,then The End Times Signs and today we center on *The 2nd Coming& his Judgment(PART 1)*

We want to make it to heaven but hardly do we want to hear about these& *Prepare* ourselves for them.

Now, let's Meditate on these verses...
*Hebrews 10:37 -For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay.*

*Acts 17:31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”*

*Revelation 22:12-13 Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.*

*Revelation 16:15 "Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed."*

*Matthew 25:31-33-"But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. "All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left.*

*Matthew 16:27-"For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS.*

*Acts 3:19-21 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you - even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.*

*1 Thessalonians 3:13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.*

*Revelation 22:20-21 He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen, Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.*

*SO I SAY:*
Let's MEDITATE on these... For *Jesus is Coming Soon... Prepare to meet Him.*

_*LESSONS&POINTERS FROM THE '18WORLD CUP*(PART 2)_

(5-year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

As said, we continue our lessons and Pointers from the 2018 Fifa World Cup that just slipped into history.Of course,there are lessons even for us Christians!

So it has been full of Surprises,Fallen Giants,Fun& Enthralling...Again, of Times& Seasons,Trend Analysis(Generational influence),Planning,Working your bits&leaving the rest to God.

Psalm 145:15- _The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season._

There are Seasons and times...Not only for the players but even Countries,For Perennial Underachievers- Croatia, it was their first final ever& for Belgium, their Golden age generation had to achieve something. *(TODAY, I SEE THIS IN THE RISING AFRICA NATION RWANDA WHO ARE BLAZING THE TRAIL IN ALL SPHERES...JUST GOOGLE THEM..GHANA,LET'S RISE UP!)*

Same with the Magnificent France teenager Mbappe.For Croatia Modric,it has been years of being underestimated& overshadowed by Messi&Ronaldo...yet when God says it is your time... *I SEE SOMEONE SET TIME OF GLORY JUST BECKONING IF ONLY YOU WON'T WEARY BUT  WILL CONTINUE TO STAY UNDER HIS FEET, THE WORLD WILL JUST BE AT YOUR FEET🙏🏻*

Luke14:28- _For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?..._
I have been priviledged to watch many cups since 1998.(interestingly,France won that one too) And there is no denying the fact a lot of plans goes into it.

From the Nation to host it down to the last event at the finale;Planning, Diligence & Excellence is a key hallmark for them after which you can say they leave the rest to God.

I have not forgotten about the overarching principle in Proverbs 16:9-
_The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps._... yet the same Prov.21:5 tells us  _The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance..._

The Lord is not against this...planning, do things right&striving towards excellence AND IN ALL THESE ACKNOWLEDGING IT IS GOD WHO WORKS &DIRECT OUR PATH IN ALL OUR WAYS.

I believe there is a God factor in Sports & he uses it to speak to us all the time...For just a second in a game can be a turning point for a losing team to be winner.(Real&Athletico Finals)

.I always say 99.9999% is as equal as 0.1111% in Football as such is the God we serve and so are his ways.(2 Pet.3:8)

YOU KNOW WHAT?...JUST TRUST HIM&DO YOUR BIT &...☺☺

*SO I SAY:*
*THIS IS PART 2 OF LESSONS&POINTERS FROM '18WORLD CUP THAT JUST EBBED WAY*

_*LESSONS&POINTERS FROM THE '18WORLD CUP*(PART 1)_

(5-year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

The 2018 Fifa World Cup just ended in Russia& there has been a lot in there... A lot that Christians can even learn from.

I love Football not only because of the fun,intelligence& technique but also overtime i realised it teaches us lessons about Life &especially how God works-So unpredictable.

So it was a 6-goal thriller in the final, one in which our African Reps(France)😄 'stole' the cup away with 4 of them.

Could this have easily been predicted?...Nope..  Although,we get it right at times,Like even Prophets _who only know in parts_, many soccer pundits/enthusiasts with all their Knowledge & experience still get many elements wrong. such are the ways of God... *Not of Man!* & football is a clear symbolism.

So it has been full of Surprises,Fallen Giants,Fun& Enthralling...Again, of Times& Seasons,Trend Analysis(Generational influence),Planning,Working your bits&leaving the rest to God.

*Surprises,Fallen Giants&Thrills*- Giants like Germany, Spain,Brazil& Argentina all exited  earlier than expected.For Germany, it was shockingly at the Group stage feeding into the Trend Analysis of defending country failing to go past group stage.

*What is the Family curse that is following you...That you can skip past....It seems to be recurring with you...AS A HEIR OF THE KINGDOM, I STAND ON THE BLOOD HE SHED AND BREAK IT NOW IN JESUS NAME..DECLARE THIS IN FAITH& WALK IN THE VICTORY!*🙌🏻

The Spain&Russia encounter was reminiscent of the David & Goliath affair... *ONCE AGAIN, I STAND ON HIS WORD IN 1SAM.17. & DECLARE THAT  MAY ANY GIANT IN YOUR LIFE FALL...YOU WILL SING I DON'T HOW BUT GOD DID IT& IT WAS JUST WITH A STONE..GET YOUR STONE& MAKE THAT MOVE*

For the Brazil in their Belgium game,it was a case of Reliance on their own strength,Past Glories & also complacency.It takes us to what Proverbs 3:5-6 still tells us today
*Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways submit to him,and he will make your paths straight.* ... _Always, BE REMINDED, NO MATTER THE HEIGHT YOU GET TO,NEVER HAS IT BEEN BY OWN STRENGTH_

So, there are Seasons and times... And it was just God's set time for France's Mbappe&Croatia's Modric to shine... *YOUR SET TIME TO SHINE IS JUST COMING...JUST TRUST&WAIT UPON HIM... HE NEVER FAILS...More to come this Evening*

*SO I SAY:*
*THIS IS PART 1 OF LESSONS&POINTERS FROM '18WORLD CUP THAT JUST EBBED WAY*

*THE SIGNS ON MEDITATE(PART 2*

*5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻*

So these are the Continuing symptoms of the yellow disease- weight loss,pale stools,fever, vomiting, changes in mental function& yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin.
(This gives a clear indication of Illness-Jaundice.)

_Okay,What then does the *SIGNS* below tell us?...#TheEndTimes...#BeReminded...#Meditate...#BePrepared_

_"Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?"_(Matthew 24:3)

1John 2:18, NKJV. _"Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour."_

_Matthew 24:6... "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come."_

II Timothy 3:1-5, _"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them."_

Matthew 24:14, _"And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."_

Luke 21:25-26, NIV. _"There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken."_

*THE WAY OUT*
Luke 21: 28,
_*"Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”*_

1Corinth16:13 
*_Be on your guard; stand firmin the faith; be courageous; be strong._*

1 John 2:28
*_And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming._*

*SO I SAY:*
*BELOVED, LET'S TAKE NOTE... THESE ARE THE END TIME SIGNS ON MEDITATE (PART 2)*

*'Nyame Ay3bi oo'...The Message (D.Hamilton Inspired)*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

Its literal surface look *like a mother will say "Akwasi, Ma y3 bi oo"* may not strike that big Gratitude chord you may be looking for but a further reflection then cuts it here...

*_'Nyame Ay3bi oo...God has Done well oo'_*

Isaiah 12:5
_Praise the LORD in song, for He has done excellent things; Let this be known throughout the earth._

_*The Songwriter succinctly put it that when we go on our knees in prayer, let's make sure/endeavour to shower God with a lot more of  the Praises and Thanksgiving because  our God has done well...*_

Ever wondered the countless seemingly 'little' yet vital things that God does for us in place of the many many big things we want God to do for us.

_He will definitely not give you stone when you ask for bread but first he'll lead  you on that path to get the flour....And sometimes that seems like  nothing to us._

So does he do same for not choosing that school,meeting her not him, rejecting that juicy offer all which today has brought you to this glorious end that you never envisaged.

Just look back, reflect &you will see that it was those little 'minutest' things that God did that has brought us you this far....

*Truly Nyame Ay3bi...🙌🏻🙌🏻🙏🏻*

*And it all starts because Our God gives us these vitals which we've normalized... Waking up each morning to life,Our Going outs&Coming ins,Guiding and Direct our Path every single day...* Without this, how will we be able to do all the other (big) things?...Ask Yourself?

Beloved,learn to give all the Praise,Adoration&Thanksgiving that he so deserves.

" *Nyame Ay3bi Wate...🙌🏻🙌🏻*"

Psalm 107:1
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

Ephesians 5:20
Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

_Yehowa ay3ade3 oo, )noa na )tutu ya namon so yie,)de y3n k) na )di y3n ba..)noa na )y3n ade3 nyinaa...._🎼

We are too much of asking and wanting to receive from God at all times with all our selfish interests.
We forget that the below also applies to God-
_A person who feels appreciated will always do more than is expected._ There is even much more blessings in Appreciating and Thanking God.(oh the 10 lepers comes to mind)

*SO I SAY:*
*Nyame Ay3bi..s3 y3 k) Awurade anim a,y3ma aseda ne ayeyi no d))so...Of Course,When we go before God,Let's endeavour to shower him with more& more of the Thanks& Praises...Nyame Ay3bi ooo🙌🏻🙌🏻🙏🏻*

_Brace Yourself for Nyame Ay3bi...The Story😉_

*WAITING ON GOD*(From Our Daily Bread)

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

Let's enjoy this once again from Our Daily Bread Devotional just this Tuesday(July 3).

It's all about *The Need to Wait&....Understanding the need to wait on God...For it might just be a dear one or even YOURSELF*

*The Message:*
_I was sitting with a group of passengers on an airport shuttle heading to our connecting flight when the bus driver was told to ''hold in place''.It looked like we would miss our flight, and this was more than one passenger could handle._

_He exploded at the driver, insisting he ignore his orders or 'risk the wrath of a lawsuit.' Just then an airline employee came dashing up carrying a briefcase. Looking at the angry man,the airline employee triumphantly held up the briefcase.When he had caught his breath,he said,'You left your briefcase. I heard you mention how important your meeting was and I figured you would need this."_

_Sometimes I find myself impatient with God, especially about his return. I wonder,What can he be waiting on? The tragedies around us, the suffering of people we love and even the stresses of daily life all seem bigger than the fixes on the horizon._

_Then someone tells their story of having just met Jesus,or I discover God is still at work in the messes.It reminds me of what I learned that day on the shuttle. There are stories and details God knows that I don't. It reminds me to trust him and to remember that the story isn't about me.It's about God's plan to give time to others who don't yet know his son(2 Peter3:9)_

_*WAIT&WITNESS TILL JESUS RETURNS*_

*SO I SAY:*
*WAITING ON GOD.(From Our Daily Bread)*