LOVE LIFE

THE LOVE-LIFE

‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:39)... Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

It is said that we should love others, make sacrifices and serve others as we do for ourselves - basically living a selfless life. I get it that some of us may find it facile to put the happiness of our parents, siblings, spouse, close friends, and children before ours but that’s not the case here. True love goes beyond family and friends. Telling a woman to feed her children before she eats is comprehendible, but asking to feed the kids of her neighbour first seems out of place. Our love life needs to extend from family to neighbours, colleagues, and even strangers.

With the unrest in the world presently there’s little or no time to pay attention to another person’s need. The economic recession, insecurity, frail educational and health sector, and pandemic is enough to cloud our minds without creating room for anyone else. Come to think of it, we have just enough issues to deal with in our personal lives so why bother to include another person. We probably have a billion reasons to be selfish but remember that selfishness has no reward at the end of life. Jesus is our perfect example of one who lived a selfless life; while He was on earth, knowing fully well that He had the cross to face at the end of His life, it never stopped Him from healing the sick, raising the dead, setting captives free, feeding the multitudes along the way and laid down his lives for others.

What would make you put the happiness of everyone around you before yours? It sounds cliché just to think about it. I understand that the natural man is incapacitated to love beyond self. The solution is to surrender our hearts and life to God so that His love can flow through our lives. The love that can only be found in Christ Jesus, the love that made Him to leave the glory of heaven, come to earth, suffer great pain beyond human comprehension, and die a sinner’s death in our stead. I’m yet to understand that kind of love; the love that no one deserves but still it’s freely given to all that would accept Him. Love that sees you as someone beautiful and worth dying for. (John 3:16)

God instructed us to love humanity the way He loves us. As believers we’re expected to do things beyond the norm, not acting based on feelings but principles. We may not always feel like doing the right thing regardless, God’s word must be obeyed. Its unfathomable to give your thirsty neighbour the last bottle of water you have when you’re equally thirsty. 

The life of Christ is a life of love. Love never seeks its own, love doesn’t discriminate, love is not boastful, love is not selfish, love never disappoints, love does not rejoice in iniquity, love bears all things, love forgives all things, love endures, love is not rude, love thinks no evil, love is not envious, love is kind, love is sacrificial, love is faithful, love is hopeful, and love gives.

Only God can make us love beyond self. Man is too selfish to be selfless. Fortunately, we have a manual (the Bible) to live by and the Holy Spirit to guide us every step of the way. Do something beyond the norm today, check on your neighbours, colleagues, friends, and so on. The world still needs to know and feel the love of Jesus.

MIND

 Ever wondered why people act the way they do? It's intriguing how people exhibit certain shocking habits that are beyond their control. The negativity around us seems to increase as the days go by and it seems as though there's no way out. Over time I've come to realize that the problem is from within not without. The question is, what controls our actions?

The mind is the part of an individual that thinks, feels, remembers, and especially reasons. Unlike the brain, the mind can't be seen, felt or touched; it's an invisible part of a person yet so effective. The mind conceives our thoughts, thoughts produces actions, and actions produces habits ( either positive or negative). My regular thinking determines how my days, months, years, and ultimately life play out. I can't rise above my thoughts.

 

What we feed our mind with is responsible for the good or bad habits. Be careful of what you hear, see, and read. Nobody became an addict overnight. It started by a careless act of feeding the mind with violence, pornography, and wrong information that obviously caused more harm than good. It's sad how people constantly live below their worth because of the filthiness of the mind. If you want to have full control of your life, deal with the negativity from the root (the mind). Mind control is life control.

It's pure deception to think that negative habits can be gotten rid of by mere talk or wish. The Bible says "that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind" (Ephesians 4:22-23). The old man grows corrupt; growth doesn't occur instantaneously. If we let our mind be, it will lead us straight to destruction. We will be perfectly useless Christians if we allow our minds to take the lead. Romans 12:2 says "do not be conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind...". Spiritual and physical transformation happens when the mind is renewed. The key to a transformed life is a renewed mind.

If the mind is the key for transformation, then, it's no surprise that the enemy wants to mess up our thinking. Sadly, his attempt to disarm and distract Christians usually works. Well, you need not worry because God has a way out for us in Joshua 1:8 "this book of the law shall not depart from you but thou shall meditate on it day and night." Fix your gaze on God's transforming word. The Bible is the most powerful book on Earth, it can turn an addict to a saint if one believes and receives the blessing there in.

It is also important to know that we need the help of the Holy Spirit to make His Word come alive and transform our spirit, soul, and body. We must be dependent enough to follow His iniatives. When we do, we set ourselves up to live a transformed life.

A LETTER TO MY SISTER

                                                                                                                                                

It's been a while since I've heard from you. How have you been? I was disturbed to hear about the issues you're going through--you rarely socialize these days. What really happened? What changed in your life that you decided to shut the world out? I really care about you and would love to share some things with you.

My dear sister, it is such a pity that you've allowed others define you. You believe the lie they tell you about your physical appearance, abilities, and techniques. They trampled on your self image and left you feeling broken, rejected, and unloved. They say you're not tall, fair, or smart enough to feel among. They make you feel less of who you are because you don't fit into their way of life. Sweetheart you should never have believed that; you're more than who you think you are. You're unique in your own special make-up. There is no second you; you're the only you the world can or will have. Isn't that amazing? 

The sad thing is that you've accepted the definition of folks that do not qualify to define you and neglected the definition of The One who created you. The Bible says that you're wonderfully and fearfully made by God (Psalm 139:14). You must know that you're God's treasure regardless of how you look, talk, walk, sleep, and eat. God was very careful in making you because you're His baby girl and He didn't want anything to go wrong. You're not a mistake, you're very intentional.

I couldn't believe my ears when I read the letter you sent to me last week---that you're willing to compromise your virtues and move in with a man just so he could fully accept you. What! That's not acceptable! Cohabiting is not a criterion for acceptance. I don't know what your perception of love is but I must say that true love has no conditions. Conditional love is no love at all. Never belittle yourself to gain cheap favour. A man that needs something from you to love you is not worthy of you. You also said that he's the only one that has loved you regardless of your flaws and past mistakes--with all due respect sister, I  disagree with you on that. If a man truly loves you regardless of your past mistakes, there won't be a condition to fullly accept you. Don't mistake lust for love dear. I don't care how anyone else defines it, cohabiting is and will always be wrong. You should know that God's love has no conditions.

Now let me tell you a brief story. A young girl was in desperate need of love because she was rejected by family and friends. She would go to any length just to be accepted by family and society, and out of the blues her prince charming (so to speak) came into her life. She felt so loved because the young man gave her 84 missed calls one night(mind you the man was after something). She thought to herself that the guy truly loved her because he was able to call 84 times( a predator also waits patiently to devour it's prey). Her eyes opened up when the guy started demanding for sex and other things she couldn't give. To cut the long story short, the relationship ended in a drastic way leaving the poor girl used and humiliated. I'm sure you're probably wondering where am going with this - I will tell you. It's so disheartening how some ladies perceive certain things as love. You must know that a guy would go to any length to get what he wants and he will sure dump you afterwards. 

My prayer for you is that you'll come to know and experience the genuine love of Jesus. Jesus loves you more than you will ever love yourself. No matter how much a guy proclaims love to you, he won't die on a wooden cross for you (John 15:13). Jesus went through so much pain and suffering just so you could have a better life. The love of Jesus is something the human mind can't fathom, a love that we clearly don't deserve. If you think 84 missed calls from a guy is love, well am pleased to inform you that Jesus has been calling you much longer than that. Every second of your life is a call from God, that means in a year Jesus has given 31,536,000 missed calls and he's has been calling you according to the number of your age. I'm pretty sure you can't even calculate that. No man has or will ever love you like Jesus. His love is patient enough to wait for years just to get your attention. His love is unconditional enough to accept you completely regardless of your past mistakes. His love is pure enough to cleanse you of your filths and faults and make you whole again. Why not accept Jesus' love today and enjoy a sweet relationship beyond your imagination.

In conclusion, be of good cheer. Don't ever forget that you're the apple of God's eyes. You're loved, unique, precious, wonderful, beautiful, whole, awesome, and needed. Be the best of yourself always! I love you sister.

Yours truly,

Ifeyinwa.

WORK AND WAIT

Wait on the Lord: be of good courgage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 27:14.

Patience is manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain; steadfast despite opposition, difficulty or adversity. It is the ability to bear pains or trails calmly or without complaint; having a good attitude while waiting on the Lord.

We sometimes get apprehensive when the expectations of our hearts are not being met. At times the word of God we read contradicts what we experience at some point in time and then we tend to wonder if the word of truth and power is indeed powerful or just a fiction we use to spice up our imaginations. People are tired of suffering and waiting, they feel as though they've been deceived by the preachers of the word. They doubt their faith and existence of God because they don't see their needs being met instantaneously. They want to quit. They're tired of trusting and obeying a God Who is seemingly distant(He's not by the way). They're considering letting go of undiluted truth and embracing falsehood that will eventually ruin their lives. 

The devil is a pro at faking things. He makes Christianity looks stupid, God unreal, and the Bible a book of endless impossible instructions and feigned stories. Don't lose faith dear believer, be vigilant. Remember, every christian must have a "wilderness experience", it's part of our growth process. 

There was a time I doubted my faith because things were really going down the drain around me. I thought my life was over and I won't be able to to get out of the situation. Over time I came to realize that I was being trained to trust Him more than I thought I did. The truth is, God is not silent, He's just not saying what we supposably want to hear so we tend to intentionally ignore His voice. God is not ungenerous, He just won't give you what you don't have the capacity to handle.

 God is preparing us for things to come because the road is getting narrower and tougher. We must learn fast and grow beyond certain levels. We must be well equipped to face what's ahead else we would fail woefully. 

I know it's frustrating to live in this evil and chaotic world. A world where the resident evil seem to be gaining control over the major spheres of the society. A world where love and goodness are almost extinct. Fret not, for there's always light at the end of the tunnel. We are here in this present time for a purpose and that purpose must be achieved. God is never distant, He's just working out all things for our good. Just as we're depending on God for strength, He's also depending on us to spread the love and light we are carrying on the inside to the dieing world that's in desperate need of it. 

This generation must stand for truth and fall for nothing. There are so many distractions but let's not lose focus. We have a hope in Christ. He's coming back again to take us to glory. We must WORK AND WAIT. Shalom!!

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY

I'm sure that there are other pilgrims like me who desire to please God always. There is this burning desire in the hearts of some saints for a greater and deeper dimension of God. We want to tap into deep things of the spirit, to decode mysteries of the Word of God, to burn like an unquenchable wildfire, to take cities and nations for our God, to ignite revival everywhere we go, to win souls in thousands and millions, to be a tool for societal, national, and international transformation. The question is, why does it just end with the desire? Why can't we actualize it?

I for one have been a victim of complacency. I was comfortable with the status quo, no need to press further, things will gradually fall in place effortlessly. I've come to realize that that's a wrong ideology. Believe me, life can be frustrating if you're not having any impart anywhere. The Bible says "work out your salvation with fear and trembling" not to sleep over it. No one has attained any major breakthrough without diligence and discipline. We need to wake up from the delusion that God would handle everything and come to the realization that we also have a role to play in destiny. Spiritual growth is not magical but practical.

I have never heard of advancement without the discipline of preparation. If we are not faithful in the little things, the great are sure not going to come our way. It's disheartening how people settle for others praying for them and also feeding them the word. Nothing outweighs a personal revelation you have of God and His Word. The process of spiritual growth cannot be delegated. Learn to feed yourself. Joyce Meyer once said "cast your cares on Him, not your responsibility" selah.

God is sovereign but He won't do all things but He won't pray for you. He won't study the Bible for you, He won't attend seminars and meetings to perfect your talents and skills, He won't start up that business for you. No He won't! We've been so accustomed with the grace of God that we miss its essence. Grace crowns our efforts not our laziness. You can't sleep your way to manifestation. If God has blessed you with a talent, always remember that there's a responsibility that goes along with the blessing. 

May we not be alive and someone else will do that which we ought to have done. The pain of discipline is always better than the pain of regret. Many people have missed divine opportunity because they weren't prepared; do not let your story end that way. Now more than ever we need to put in extra in whatever we are called to do because time is rounding up.

Be responsible!!

REFUGE

Come, my people, enter into the Chambers, and shut the door about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be over past.  Isaiah 26:20.

Where can we hide from the noise, chaos, and pestilence? Well, the answer to that is quite simple - seek refuge in God. 

Evil is indeed escalating. It's baffling how we got to the point where it becomes strange not to do the wrong thing. People have lost faith in goodness because it seems as though evildoing is prevailing. Natural disasters invade the earth, wrecking havoc on humanity. Fires burning habitats leaving a city once glorious with beauty and splendor to ashes of pain and despair. Heavy and unusual downpour of rain flooding our homes, workplaces, religious places which sometimes claim lives and properties. Need I mention the pestilence that grips the world with fear of the unknown. People are devastated and depressed, suicidal thoughts and acts are on the increase, there's an alarming rate of substance abuse in the name of easing the tension, confused leaders traumatized in search for a solution. The question is, how can we keep hope alive?

Our hope is found in the finished work of  Christ. It is the finished work of Christ on the cross that gives us hope for a better tomorrow. God's sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate assurance we have for survival "Christ hath redeemed us from the course of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree" (Galatians 3:13).

The cross doesn't segregate or discriminate. It's not a place of condemnation rather a place of refuge(Psalm 91). It is an epitome of God's divine love. The cross conquers sin and death. The cross is the symbol of God's eternal convenant with His Son for the remission of our sins. Christ made Himself a substitute for humanity so we could be free from the shackles of fear(Hevrews2:14-15). The cross stands to eradicate fear, pain, confusion, and depression. The cross is always available, all we have to do is reach out and receive the blessings there in.

The reason for so much evil acts is that we haven't come to grasp the efficacy of the cross. Some people doubt that a wooden cross could provide hope, healing, deliverance, breakthrough, and protection. They find it hard to understand that we can receive such great benefits by just believing. The truth is, the love and mercy of the Lord is something our minds can't fathom. We've all been accustomed with the selfish human nature of give and take. It is thus quite hard to comprehend the selfless love of God that we should believe and then receive(no efforts needed--Christ paid it all). 

With recent happenings, it's obvious that science, ammunitions, and man's wisdom have failed. Even the so-called "security men" are scared of the unknown(Psalm 127:1-2). Scientists are desperate as ever in search for a permanent solution. Fear is escalating and hope diminishing. Do not fret, there's a room on the cross for you, all you need is to believe and embrace the cross; it will take away your fear, pain, confusion and depression. One thing I can assure you is that God never fails. Cheer up friends, we have hope in this seemingly hopeless situation.

INVESTED LIFE

Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. John 12:24.

Life is the aspect of existence that processes, acts, reacts, evaluates, and evolves through growth. Life is the quality that distinguishes a vital and functional being from a dead body. It is the sequence of physical and mental experiences that make up the existence of an individual. 

Life as we know comes with its ups and downs. Life brings us as many joyful moments as it does sadness. Life isn't a bed of roses it's actually a bed of opportunities that people sometimes fail to see.

One should never underestimate the brevity of life. We all have a stipulated time of existence. Sadly, some people think they still have enough time obscured of the fact that time waits for no one. Time is a nonspatial continuum that's measured in terms of events which succeed one another from past through present to future. Time is constant, it doesn't halt so we can pull ourselves together. Man has a maximum average of 70-90 years, the prime of life is between 30-60. If the prime of life is misused it would be total waste of the resources(life) given. 

Life is a resource God gave us to live out His purpose. We were saved to save others. Overtime I've come to realize that the best way to live is to die, not like physical death but dieing to selfish interests and desires. We were never designed to live for ourselves only. Life is a cycle of selfless service - your deliverance should deliver others, your wealth should enrich others, your success should include the success of others, your salvation should save others, your intellects should boost the intellectual quotient of others. No one truly lives without pleasing God and serving humanity. 

Greatness is not defined by how long you've existed. Life is not in its duration but in its donation. You're not relevant because of how long you lived but how effective you lived. Life without impact is underrated. No one celebrates nothing. We must deliberately invest in the lives of others. Your life is precious, make it count in our world today.