LESSONS FROM THE CROSS

It is Easter all around the world and during this time we remember the sufferings, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And also, there is the egg and bunny tradition.

So in 2019, during this time, my children were told to do an Easter bonnet and all that stuff. While I didn’t pay any particular attention to it, seeing it as us making a craft, it was later it hit me that this was a tradition the school chose to adopt for this period. In 2020, I being much aware, decided my children would not be participating in the Easter bonnet and egg competition but instead we’ll share stories of Jesus’ crucifixion. (Though my children call it, “The story of Jesus’ sacrifice.” Lol)

The other day, we all sat in front of the TV, watching this episode on Superbook and even as an adult who knew the story of resurrection, I found myself all emotional once again. (Yes, movies, songs and books move me to tears as much as physical sharing)

The greatest identification with the cross here on earth is it’s erection on top of buildings, signifying them as churches. In fact, in today’s time, it is not really erected anymore as most churches would rather call themselves Christian Centers. Another use of the cross is as a jewelry worn around the neck or the wrist. The cross is more than a wooden piece or a piece of jewelry. It is the piece upon which Jesus died, thereby making it a very powerful representation. What happened on it even more powerful.

Now the account of resurrection is shared by each of the gospels. However, the account in John is what I would be dwelling on. In John 19:32-33 we are told that due to the fact that the next day was Sabbath day, having criminals on the cross was not going to go in line with the traditions regarding such a holy day. So the soldiers were told to break the legs of the criminals and Jesus to aid their death. When they came to Jesus, He was already dead so they didn’t break his legs.

So what does this mean? It simply means the death of Jesus prevented His legs from being broken thereby allowing Jesus’ body to remain whole and complete. Death on the cross brought about wholeness. Scriptures records that “no bone in his body was broken.”

For us today, this means being “DEAD TO SIN” brings about WHOLENESS. We die to Sin and are Alive and Whole, Complete in God. Whatever your sins are, or even your troubles and worries; it’s time you visit the cross and nail them all there.

It’s a new week and I am hoping you are inspired to choose wholeness and completeness.

Beautiful blessings.

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2021 – HAPPY NEW YEAR

Welcome to 2021 my beautiful people.

So I am just resuming here this year and this is because I started my new year on the Daniel fast and I had to go off so many platforms to spend quality undistracted time on this Journey. It was quite a humbling thing to do and the amazing thing is that it ended on my birthday.

How has your year been?

Do you know that how your year goes, is greatly dependent on God and you?

Yes, there would be things that might try to affect you or there might be times where it seems like God isn’t with you any more. (Ask Job) It lies within you to still trust and believe.

What was your word for 2021? (Don’t worry if you haven’t gotten it.)

My word for 2021 is FOCUS. (Proverbs 4:25)

So at the end of November last year, the phrase that kept ringing in my ear was “attention to details.” While it was clear as it is, I still needed a word that sums it all and then the word came – FOCUS. I began to prepare myself with this word in mind and its so funny that I have heard people tell me this word a lot this year already. I just keep wondering, why is this word just everywhere?

I believe this word is adaptable by everyone. We can all chose to FOCUS this year. Firstly, FOCUSing on God, on Family, other people and other things.

A list of some things (in no particular order) you can FOCUS on this year may include:

Prayer
Fasting
Exercise
Reading
Working
Laughing
Calling Family
Checking in on Friends
Learning
Loving
Forgiving
Being consistent
And a host of others which will make you better than you currently are.

Whatever it is you have planned and prepared for this year, Be reminded that “God dwells in you. You cannot be destroyed. From the break of day, God will protect you.” Psalm 46:5. Feel free to personalize it. (I have mine personalized and hanging on my wall.)

Remain in the beautiful blessings of God.

DAY 14 – THE WOMAN, THE WIFE AND HER GOD.

It’s day fourteen and the last day of this challenge and I must confess this challenge went pretty fast.

One of the many things I am discovering as I intentionally pray and pursue God is that the Bible – The word of God is complete. It has a message of inspiration or motivation for everything under heaven. The Bible doesn’t only cater to our spiritual development but to our all round development.

As women and as wives, KNOW YOUR GOD.

I want to believe you’ve been “selfish” enough to pray for yourself these past 13 days. As we end this challenge today, look back on the TO-DOs and make a deliberate effort to be MORE and to be BEAUTIFUL.

PRAYERS

1. Lord, [Your name] is here to say THANK YOU. Thank you for being my God. From today as I consciously search for you, I will find you.

2. Lord, I declare that every time I come to you with my needs, you will hear the unspoken words of my heart and bring to pass all that concerns me.

3. Lord, I declare that I am alert to notice and take advantage of godly opportunities that come my way.

4. Lord, I declare that what you put in my custody, whether it’s for a long time or for a short time, will be properly taken care of.

5. Lord, I declare from today that I am in sync with heaven regarding matters that concern me, my husband, my children and my family.

6. Lord, I declare that your light in me shine brightest even in the darkest corners of the world. I declare I am a ray of hope in my home and the world at large.

7. Lord, because I know I have the answers that will bring great results, I declare that I am swift to ask a bold question at the right time.

8. Lord, send to my home a bug of faith that is contagious and icurable for the times when we are in doubt or confused regarding your instructions.

9. Lord, I declare that wherever I am, my life influences those around me such that they would have an encounter with you.

10. Lord, I declare my eyes are open and I recognize those you’ve planted in my life to guide me in all areas and ensure I succeed.

11. Lord, I declare that an automatic God-Alarm goes off when I am faced with any challenge, reminding me to talk to you about it first.

12. Lord, I declare that even in the midst of my greatest challenges and it seems like I can’t see a way out; I will trust you enough to do the unthinkable.

13. Lord, I declare that I am standing/sitting in places that would normally not recognize my type because Heaven has put a stamp of recognition upon me.

14. Lord, I declare that from this day forward, I am known in my home, my family, my place of work, my community and everywhere as a wise woman.

DAY 13 – THE WISE WOMEN IN SCRIPTURES (2 Samuel 14:1-21, 20:15-22)

The story of the wise men is one that everyone of us can tell without looking at scriptures. A popular character in the nativity, most of us knew the story from a very young age.

The wise women however is one that is rather unpopular but very important that it was mentioned in scriptures. You see why you should study the Bible for yourself? Studying about these women, they deserve articles of their own; but I want to believe that beyond this challenge you will read up on these women.

The wise woman of Tekoa is the first woman we are talking of. She helped in reconciling Absalom and David. After Absalom killed Amnon who raped his sister Tamar, He went into exile. It had been years and as much as David’s heart was with Absalom, he didn’t send for him to come back. This made Joab invite this wise woman to pass a message to King David. She did put on a good show and got David to bring back Absalom.

The second wise woman is that of Abel Beth Maacah. At this time, Joab was chasing after Sheba – the man who revolted against David. Joab and his army’s plan was to knock down the wall of this city because Sheba had run into it to take refuge. This wise woman came out confidently and reminded Joab that they had done nothing, so why does he want to destroy their city. When Joab explained, she told him that they’ll kill Mr. Sheba and send his head across. And this they did.

PRAYERS

It takes a wise woman to confidently confront and convict a whole king. This is what the wise woman of Tekoa did. Joab was smart enough to employ a wise woman to carry out his plan. Proverbs 31:26 NCV says; “She speaks wise words and teaches others to be kind.” Hmmm. Can you and I be called upon to pursue such a kind of assignment? This woman’s wisdom afforded Joab the pleasure of the king listening and carrying out his counsel.

1. Lord I ask for the wisdom that only you can give. Your word says in James 1:5 that If I lack wisdom, I should ask you. So here I am lord and I make my request for wisdom from above to carry out my early assignments.

Now the woman had to act her part well which she did. However it wasn’t all about her acting but the fact that she knew God’s mind and knew how to respond should she be asked other questions. How well do you know scriptures or your work? When God gives the wisdom, you also have your part to play in developing yourself. Be it spiritual, career wise or other areas. Wisdom can also be built and are you ready?

2. Lord, I declare that as you fill me with wisdom, I will seek knowledge as well. I declare that as I develop myself through diligent efforts, there will be a result that will make men to seek me out.

Something similar in the two wise women is CONFIDENCE and BOLDNESS. They got their message out politely and respectfully while still being confident. They didn’t cower or shake in fear and they didn’t go overboard and be overconfident.

3. Lord, I receive for myself a confident and capable spirit. while I discharge my duties as a wife, worker or leader. I declare that I do it with boldness mixed with respect and honour.

The wise woman of Abel Beth Maacah saved her town because she stood up for it. Scriptures doesn’t tell us she was the leader of the town, however she didn’t say, “Oh I am a woman or I am not the leader.” What scripture says is that she called out to speak to Joab. First she gave his some history lessons then proceeded to proffer a solution that was beneficial to both without destruction involved.

4. Lord, help me not to wait till destruction hits and then I am filled with regrets. I receive the boldness to stand up and protect what’s mine. When I go to stand before he/she that will grant my request for protection, equip me with solutions I can offer that will bring the needed results.

Now Joab agreed and the wise woman went to discuss with the people in her city. She should have just gone and killed Sheba but no. She strategized with her people. How great a team player are you? Are you always after getting the glory? Who knew what would have happened if she went alone?

5. Lord, every selfish tendencies in me that is all about me, me, me; replace with a teaming spirit that sees and understand that there is great success in teamwork. Help me from today to be a great team player at home, at work and anywhere I find myself.

DAY 12 – THE FIRST FEMALE DEACON (Romans 16:1-2)

During the bible days, we know that women were not allowed to preach; rather, many of them served in other ways that didn’t have the “spot light” shining down on them.

However, for Phebe, it was different as she was the first female leader in the church mentioned by Paul the Apostle. While she is only mentioned once in the Bible, it is important to note the role she played in the early church. She was known to be a benefactor to Paul and many other believers.

Her status wasn’t mentioned here, so I cannot tell if she was married or not at the time. What I can tell is that she was devoted to her service for God and mankind.

You do not have to be a Deacon like Phebe to be able to have such a beautiful impact in your family, in your local assembly, in your place work or your community. As a believer, Christ living in us is all we need to make such an impact.

PRAYERS

Phebe’s live was exemplary. Her light shined brightly that the most respected and revered Apostle saw it and recognized the presence of God. Paul acknowledged her as someone who helped him and others. This means, she supported others to succeed.

1. Lord I pray that my light will shine so brightly to those around me, leading them to Christ and showing them the part of success.

Obviously Sister Phebe was selfless as scriptures recorded.

2. Lord, as you bless me, help me to fulfil my role as helper and provider in the lives of those you have put under my care in Jesus name.

Pride is something that can creep up on you unawares. Phebe was in a position which was mostly occupied by men at that time. This meant that she had to lead other people as well. Now I believe that she was humble enough to allow everyone reach out to her.

3. Lord as you assign to me leadership roles and responsibilities, I receive a contrite heart that does not give room for pride and I receive in abundance the grace to do my work humbly.

Paul recommended Phebe and he even went on to say they should ensure to provide whatever she needs.

4. Lord, I receive from heaven today, a letter of recognition and recommendation. Any place I enter and anyone I come in contact with will be drawn to assist and help me and even go on to ask others to help me.

Today, we read of Phebe because of the role she played in the early church which was too important not to mention.

5. Lord wherever I am planted, I receive the grace to carry out my duties wholeheartedly. I declare today that I am leaving my prints in the sands of time and I am remembered everywhere I go because Lord you will make me a channel of your your blessing.

DAY 11 – THE LEADING WOMAN (2 Kings 4:8-37)

It is exciting how verses of the bible hit differently at different times. I know the story of the Shunammite woman, and I am sure most of you do too. I do not even know where to begin on this one.

The Shunammite woman was a well-to-do woman and its obvious she had been watching to know that Elisha always passed by. On this day, she decides to convince him to come in for a meal. This shows she was observant and hospitable. As we read on in the verses, we see that stopping over to dine became a regular thing for Elisha.

Now, she wants him to also have a place to lay his head when he was in town. So, she went and discussed with her husband and before we knew it, Elisha was family and no more guest.

The interesting thing is that when Elisha asked what her request was as she had gone up and above to care for him and his servant. The message version puts her response as “Nothing. I’m secure and satisfied in my family.”

Well, you know the rest of the story. If you do not, read up 2 Kings 4:8-37.

PRAYERS

The Shunammite woman was observant. The day she stopped Elisha was not his first time passing by. She must have been seeing him and Gehazi and decided to invite them to dinner. To be able to catch them in time, I believe the Shunammite woman had to be awake and alert.

1. Dear Lord, I receive from heaven an observant and discerning spirit. Open my eyes to see the angel you have sent to me and cause me to open my doors to him/her. Cause me to be awake in my spirit to identify him/her when they pass through.

Did you notice when she was going to upgrade Elisha’s status, she went in to discuss with her husband? The bible records that she was a rich woman, but it did not mention if her husband was. So, let us agree she was doing very well than her husband and could decide whatever without anyone’s approval. But she did not do it. This is a home belonging to she and her husband and it’s the right thing to do. Now I will ask you a question and I want to hope you will answer yourself truthfully. If you were in the position of the Shunammite woman now, will you consult your husband’s opinion regarding your plans?

2. Dear Lord, as I work hard and succeed and I am doing so very well, help me to welcome and recognize my husband’s opinion to decisions that I make regarding our home as we are no longer two but two of us have become one.

I will not fail to mention that her husband agreed to her suggestion to make Prophet Elisha family – giving him a room of his own. Now think about it. If he had not agreed with the wife to give Elisha a room, they might have just missed out on their blessings. Many husbands have been the reason some blessing have eluded their families

3. [Husband’s name] I declare that your eyes and heart will be opened to see and receive my suggestions that could bring about a breakthrough for our family in Jesus name. As I bring my big ideas to you, I declare that you will support me.

So many prayers from these verses, but I’ll have us pray this one before the last point.

At this time, they already had a son as Elisha prophesied but unfortunately, the boy died suddenly after complaining of his head. This woman took off to go look for the man of God. From afar Elisha recognized her. After hearing what happened, Elisha acted immediately by sending Gehazi ahead first. Yesterday we talked bout seeking God first when challenges come. Today we see same thing with the Shunammite woman. What tickles me most is the speedy response.

4. Father, I declare that you are answering to every of my case speedily. I have made you a member of my family, so everything that concerns this family you will attend to speedily in Jesus name.

Lastly, remember this. A rich woman who had everything, but one opens her door to a stranger, upgrades his status from being just a guest who came in for dinner to a family member with his own room. While she did this expecting nothing in return, Gehazi found out that they did not have children and that was an unspoken request of hers that came to fulfillment.

5. Lord, as I help those on my way, let my heart’s deepest desire be tabled before you. I declare today that I will not miss the angel you have scheduled to visit me. I receive a hospitable spirit today Lord.

DAY 10 – THE INSTANT BUSINESS WOMAN (2 Kings 4:1-7)

The woman in today’s study is one that Dad told us about some years ago. Anytime I read these verses, I always remember Dad’s words as clear as it was the day he expounded this portion of scripture.

As I prepared for this challenge, I bless God for the new meaning this scripture brought to light.

This woman’s husband was one of the prophets under Elisha. The husband died and left her with debt and the debtor was about to come pick up her children to become slaves.

In recent times, one would have run to family and friends to raise such money and if possible borrow to pay off the debt. However, this woman’s attitude here surprised me. She didn’t go to her family members but went to her husband’s leader or boss.

And her story changed for good. – Please read up the story.

PRAYERS

This widow knew that the man of God was the only one that could help her. I am sure she knew of the miracles Elisha had done and even more, her husband must have spoken so much of Elisha. Who is your first choice when challenges come? I can’t remember when exactly but I know in the past, I often went to family and friends with my challenges first and left asking God as last option. Do you find yourselves doing this too?

1. Lord, I acknowledge your greatness and I know there is nothing you cannot do. I am sorry for all the times I left you as last option. From today Lord, you are my first option.

The beautiful thing about coming to God first is that it is God that convicts the heart of the man that will help you. Most times you hear them say, I don’t know why but I just needed to do it to have peace.

2. Lord when challenges come, big and small, lead me to the one who you have prepared to help me. In the midst of my running about due to my confusion, let my running around land me in front of my benefactor in Jesus Name.

Elisha asked what she had and her first response was nothing. Then she remembered she had oil. (As in, what concerns cooking oil with paying debt?) But hey, that was all she needed. Sometimes, in front of your benefactor, you are asked what do you do and because you don’t have a “white collar” job, you say nothing. Meanwhile, you are good in let’s say cooking, writing, reading etc.

3. Lord, at the point of my impromptu interview remind me of the seemingly insignificant talents and gifts you have planted in me.

So there was oil and Elisha’s next instruction to her was to go and borrow containers from her neighbors. He said “not just a few – all you can get.” Then He gave her the guide on how to perform this miracle of multiplication. Note that she didn’t ask questions but left to do as instructed. At this point, one very important point Dad shared that day was that she had good neighborliness. Also if you read on, you’ll find that Elisha told her to lock the door with she and her sons inside. What do you pick from this? Not everything is meant to be public. That, we could call in present times, was her secret weapon.

4. Lord, when you give me the weirdest of instructions to carry out, give me the grace to trust you completely. Reveal to me attitudes that I need to change to maintain a good interpersonal relationship with those around me. Also Lord, I receive a seal over my mouth and my actions regarding that which is meant to be my secret weapon of operation.

Now the interesting part is that she was instructed to sell the oil, pay off the debts and live on what’s left. Did you see what’s happening here? Elisha gave her a business. If she had gone to family and friends, they would have given her maybe money to pay off. But her decision to go to the Man of God secured her a business that would fend for her and her sons. God loves to give you more and this I say from experience. You ask God for a fish, He gives you wisdom to never lack fish.

5. Lord, here I am. Give me the idea that will provide for my present and future and the future of my children and their children and those after them. Lord even if I forget and just ask for a cup of water, give me an endless source of that water.

DAY 9 – THE MOTHER AND DAUGHTER DUO (Ruth 1-4)

When I wrote down all the names of the women we will study and learn from, I didn’t take note that the two women with books of their own in the Bible were back to back till I had to write out my drafts. I believe God has something interesting for us.

Ruth is a woman who trusted a God she didn’t know by virtue of trusting a woman she knew. The only time there was a mention of Ruth’s mother was when Naomi encouraged her and Orpah to go back to their mother’s house as she prepared to return to her people.

Looking at Ruth and Naomi, there are too much to glean from this mother and daughter duo. Ruth lived for over ten years with Naomi and that was enough for her to decide to go with Naomi, make the God of Naomi her God and Naomi’s people her people. The modern day person would be wondering what type of spell Ruth must have come under.

How have your life as a Christian Woman and Wife influenced the decision of those closest to you?

PRAYERS

Sometimes, God plants people in our lives who become instrumental in our development or growth. Naomi came into Ruth’s life through marriage to her son. However, it was obvious from Ruth’s action that Naomi affected her in a way that she was ready and in fact she chose to leave her family and relatives to follow Naomi to a land she didn’t know and become part of a people she didn’t know too.

1. Lord, plant women and men of great positive influence in my life. When I come in contact with them, open my eyes to recognize them immediately and become acquainted with them without delay.

Upon arriving at Bethlehem, it was the harvest period. Ruth didn’t know anybody but Naomi yet she went out to get food that she and Naomi will eat. Ruth took the initiative to sort out their food problem by going out to glean.

2. Lord, put within me the ability to take initiatives to do things that will support my husband, my children, my family and those around me. Make me a provider in my family. Open my eyes to see what we lack and help me to make plans towards it’s provision,

Ruth’s dedication to the gleaning landed her in the field of Boaz (One who will later become her husband) That day, Boaz came to the field and noticed Ruth. He noticed her and he didn’t just notice and walk away. He asked who she was.

3. Lord, as I consistently work hard to be better at what I do or be a better woman in general, lead me to the place where the one who will bring about my breakthrough is positioned. And Lord when I am there, open their eyes to notice me.

So Boaz asked who she was and the foreman told him who she was; but he didn’t stop there. He went on to share how she had been working (gleaning) from morning till evening without taking a break. Sometimes we think our hard work isn’t noticed and we may want to pull the plug. Hey!!! Before you do, let’s pray this:

4. Lord raise reporters on my case. When they are asked questions, cause them to give more and more answers, relevant answers that will move the mind and hand of my helper.

Lastly, even though I feel like going on and on on lessons drawn from this wonderful book; I can imagine Ruth wasn’t the only one gleaning. I am sure there were others. But you see the issue of being singled out has seem to be consistent with some women we have studied about.

5. Lord, put your mark upon me that singles me out everywhere I go or find myself for good. I declare that people will look on me and be drawn to me. They will look on me and instruct people to assist and help me.

I just couldn’t help but give this extra pointer. Ruth got home and showed what she got to Naomi and told her about all that happened. We can say Ruth went to share her testimony to Naomi. Do you tell of God’s wonders in your life or you just keep it to yourself? It was in Ruth’s sharing that one thing led to another.

6. Lord, when you so bless me, help me to always return with thanksgiving and recounting of your blessings. And Lord, as I praise you for what you’ve done, open the heavens and overflow me with even more.