A Good Reason To Like Christmas

Adelola Edema

 have not always been a fan of Christmas. I was born on Christmas day, and so I always had to deal with people forgetting my birthday. I must confess that Jesus is the hardest person to share birthday with. Unlike every other person, we had to go to church every year on our birthday. So I had good reasons not to like Christmas.
Some years ago, we had to travel from Abuja to Akure on Christmas day. For the first time in my life, I discovered that December 25 was a day in the calendar. The most beautiful part of our trip was when we stopped to buy fried yam (dundun) at Lokoja, the memory still brings a smile to my face.
That was how I stopped beefing Jesus for stealing the shine on my birthday. The less angry I got about being born on Christmas day, the more I began to appreciate Christmas. I have become a huge fan of Christmas hymns; I sing them all year round. Once November sets in, I begin to rejoice at Christmas coming.
I am not just excited about the decorations and the holiday feeling, I am excited about the coming of Christ. I am glad that Jesus came to save the world. I rejoice that the coming of Jesus is the expression of God's love to us. And importantly, I am glad that I have received His love.
Jesus to me, is not just someone in the pages of a book, or who the pastor preaches about. He is to me the source of my life; in Him I live, move and have my being. He is the one that gives me hope and a reason to live.
I hope that Christmas for you will not just be about rice and chicken, or holidays, or family (these are good reasons), rather it will be about the love of God to you. If you have accepted His love, celebrate the love. However, if you have not, know that He is extending His love to you right now; please receive it, accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. God bless you.

HELPING GOD

ADELOLA EDEMA

Sometimes God gives us a promise and we start struggling to get it fulfilled. Sometimes we find ourselves working in our strength to accomplish a promise we found in the scriptures. Ok maybe it's just me. 
Anyway, I have at least one accomplice in the Bible, Abraham. In Genesis 15, God assured Abraham (he was still Abram at the time, actually) that his son, from his own loins, would inherit him. Thanks to Sarai's advice, he got a son from his loins, but that was not the child of promise. 
I've made such mistakes in my life as well. I have tried to help God so many times. I always knew that fear was the drive, but I would convince myself that God would bless my efforts and I would see the fulfilment of the promise. It always ended badly. And I would repent afterwards. 
For Abram, he got a son, but God wasn't going to endorse the work of flesh. It took him 13 years before the promise was revisited. 
But God is faithful, He gave Abraham the fulfilment of the promise, Isaac came through Sarah.
God still deals with us like that. We may face the consequences of our detour, but God brings us back, and reminds us that His promise is sure. 
Maybe you have messed up, and the promise is looking bleak, know that God is faithful. He gave Abraham Isaac; he took Saul from the path where his zeal for God was making him kill people, to a path where his zeal was bringing LIFE to Nations. 
Just do like I would do, repent and trust God to bring you to the fulfilment of the promise.

Remember The Testimonies of The Lord

Oyeladun Ayorinde

Good evening everyone. I'm sure you had a good day. Tomorrow will be better in Jesus' name.
Pls, allow me to share this revelation with you and I'm trusting that it will bless somebody.
Psalms 103:1-5 " Bless the Lord, o my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. [2] Bless the Lord, o my soul, and forget not his benefits. [3] Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who health all thy diseases. [4] Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies. [5] Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things, so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's"
This Psalm happens to be one of my favorite scripture. Anytime I read it, I've always seen David at one of the lowest ebb of his life, a point of despondence.
But David never allowed the circumstances to consume him. He refused to be sunk in the pit of discouragement but began to encourage himself by remembering all the benefits he had enjoyed from the Lord. I'm sure that while he was writing verse 4 of that scripture, he must have remembered how, while running away from Saul, Saul and his men had encompassed him and there wouldn't have been any escape. But at that moment, the Philistines invaded the land and Saul had to turn back to go fight. And David escaped. (1 Samuel 23:26-28)
This is where the difference lies between him and John the Baptist. John was imprisoned by Herod and there seems to be no sign of deliverance from Jesus and he became offended and doubted the authenticity of Christ as the Messiah (Mathew 11:2-3). 
If only he had thought about all his experiences in Mathew 3:13-17 and John 1:29-36. How he had stayed baptizing at the Jordan, waiting for the Messiah, recognizing the Messiah by the Holy Ghost, seeing the heavens opened and the dove descending on Christ, and most importantly, hearing the voice from heaven authenticating Jesus Christ as the Son of God. I'm sure he would have been encouraged.
Everyone of us get to a point in our lives where it seems all hell is turned loose against us, a point where we may even doubt the love of God for us. It can even get to the point of doubting our salvation. Job 14:1. "Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble." 
As I ponder this issue, I remember a beloved sister who told me her experience. She was so immersed in her problems that she thought the only way out was to walk out of faith. But thank God for the Holy Spirit who kept encouraging her, reminding her of God's goodness in past times. Thank God, today, she has bounced back and still strong in faith.
Can we learn to always remember the testimonies of the Lord? Knowing that if He had shown up before, He definitely will again. He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. 
I pray for multiplied grace for everyone going through one storm or the other. He will come through for you in Jesus' name.

You can still be a blessing in your situation

Adelola Edema
Have you read 1 Samuel 30 before? That was the place in the Bible where David encouraged himself in the Lord. I have read it before, and I have heard sermons based on the scripture, and I know there's so much to learn there.

First of all, David encouraged himself in the Lord, then his men helped an Egyptian servant who led them to recover what they had lost. So many things to learn from David.
B
ut recently I considered the Egyptian slave, and how his predicament was the reason he was a blessing to David, and why the Bible has a record of him. This guy was sick, and had been left to die by those who were supposed to care for him, those to whom he had been a blessing or help. I'm sure he had lost hope for life when David's men found him.
 
Have you been left and considered useless? Are you in that season of your life when you think there's no hope left. Let this Egyptian slave encourage you from God's word; you can still be a blessing in your situation.

Consider that when Jesus was on the cross, it was a painful time for him, but he still reached out to the thief on his right.

Don't let your situation make you shut your bowel of mercy.
 
The people around you may not consider you as useful, you may have lost hope in yourself, but God still has need of you.

He's looking at you, and what He sees is a blessing

JUST A MINUTE PLEASE.....

Adewumi Feyisayo Idowu

The society is always in a hurry to talk women into marriage especially when they belong to a certain social class, a percieved marriageable age and what have you. I have often pondered; is marriage all about age? Must every female child put marriage as a priority as soon as she gradutes from the University and has a good job? Don't get me wrong I'm not anti-marriage. The Bible was clear about it; marriage is honorable.... I'm not contesting that fact at all. What I am saying in very simple terms is this: every woman should get married because God the Author of marriage is leading them and they are ready to get married. Using myself as an example, most people around me are worried that I'm not married when most of my age mates have stopped having children. They have their concerns and I have mine!!! That's the truth. What most people around me don't know is that I have a lot going on in my life and marriage doesn't top that list. Firstly they don't know about my fears because of what I have encountered as a child, in my years as a teen and as an evolving adult. They don't know how hard it is for me to let go of the independence I have enjoyed for a long time by virtue of being single. They don't know how I want my finances to be very very stable. They forget that I have ambitions and aspirations I have always prayerfully told God I want placed in the hands of a man after His heart. The next time you are tempted to talk to a single sister about marriage, pls be more committed to praying for them. Even before you pray be very sure its what they desire most at the moment. Don't assume.

KNOW GOD'S WORD

ADELOLA EDEMA

Recently a brother was speaking, and he would attempt to quote scriptures, saying, "I think the Bible says…" What I did not like was that he would say, after 'misquoting' the scripture "I don't know, I'm not a preacher". And I would open my eyes each time to say "What?! Brother you are a Christian, that’s all that matters"

Have you read Hebrews 11 before? It talks about people of faith; Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses' parents, Moses, Rahab, the children of Israel, Samuel, David and many more people. Have you noticed that Moses and Samuel were the only prophets mentioned there? Actually, the other prophets were just summed as prophets (vs 32). And there's Balak that I think was a prophet, but I am not a fan of, so I cannot put his name with a whole Moses and a whole Samuel (God forgive me). All the rest were just people; Abel was a farmer; Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were business men (I think these four were all in the sheep business); Rahab was a prostitute (that’s business too na); Jephtah was a military man, Moses' parents and the other children of Israel were just random people that we can care less what they did for a living (they kuku didn't come and steal my money). Did I mention that David was a shepherd and a king? I know you knew that already.

I hope you already know where I am going with my gist; most of the men of faith were not "pastors" (prophets). So why should being a pastor be the criterion to know God's word or live by faith? Romans 1:17 is one of 4 scriptures that tell us that "the just shall live by faith" and Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes to us through the word of God. How will you conduct your business by faith if you don’t know God's word? Or how will you shine as light if you don’t know what the Bible says? John 11:10 says that when we don't have light in us (note that the light should be in us), we'll stumble in the dark. And Psalm 119:130 says that the entrance of God's word brings light.

As I looked and listened to the brother, I planned to go and share some "truth" with him afterwards, but I was too chicken to do so. So I have brought my thoughts here because many of us think like that. I also have my "I cannot kill myself, I am not the pastor" moments. But I believe that we can desire to be better, and we can get better. That is God's desire for us (Colossians 3:16; 2Peter 1:19; John 8:31-32; Ezekiel 36:26).

LESSONS FROM THE MAN DAVID

Adebola Afolashade Balogun

David did not become the fearless gaint-slayer he became in one day. He did not just wake up and know how to kill a lion or a bear. Have you ever wondered how he became a great warrior without being formally trained? Let us look at Psalm 144:1. "Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight".

When someone is being taught something, they almost always don't get it right the first time. The Bible never records it but I am sure there must have been times when a bear or lion came to attack one of the sheep David was keeping and all he could(as a young boy)was probably throw a stone or stick to chase them away, the stick or stone would only keep them away for so long and they must surely return to try again. David must have been hurt by a wild animal a couple of times, he might have even run away to call his elder brothers for help when he could not handle them on his own. He might have even lost one or two sheep in the process but he never stopped trying to protect his father's sheep.

I can imagine God watching this daily struggle and saying to him, "Hey, let me teach you how to kill this thing and give you a permanent solution". Hence, the training began.

 God watched him grow over time, saw his commitment to mere sheep and must have thought to himself "I think I have found someone I can trust to lead,guide and protect my people. If he can be this dedicated to sheep and goats, how much more humans?"

 What am I getting at you might be wondering? The reason a lot of people give in to challenges or refuse to take on any is because they do not see it as training grounds or opportunities to learn. They do not want to get all messy, they want the reward but not the responsibility but the truth is that both go hand in hand. God himself sought out David and made him a king because he saw a prepared 'man', one he had personally trained, one who went from timid boy to warrior. Remember, he was in the wilderness tending sheep. He was just a boy and could have been playing around or doing any other thing but he chose to take on the responsibility of tending sheep.

We must learn to see every stage of our lives as training grounds and be willing to gather as much knowledge as we can in the process.

We might never know when that big break will come, when that opportunity will come, when that skill will be what a president, king or Governor is looking for.

My charge to us as this new week begins is for us be open to opportunities, to learn new things as often as possible, to develop skills and stay prepared because we just might never know when that skill will launch us into greatness.

Have an exceptional week ladies!!

GOD HAS NOT CHANGED HIS MIND ABOUT YOU

Adelola Edema

Recently I was lining my eyebrows and I remembered when I could have sworn, "I would never line my eyes and my eyebrows". A few years later, even if I want to go without makeup, I line my brows at least. (Yea, I know I need help) I grew up hating ogbono soup. I also hated iru and ede (locust beans and crayfish) with a passion. I was that child that was not ashamed to pick out iru from the soup I was served, anywhere. Now ehn… I am a huge fan of iru and ogbono soup. I still don’t like ede o, but I don’t only eat it, I cook with it sef.

Quite a number of people know that I HATE daddyrising and mummyrising men of God. In fact, I could literally throw up if someone called his pastor Daddy around me. I used to tell people, without shame sef, that I could leave a church simply because members call the pastors Daddy or Mummy. But surprisingly, in my present church, I join other members to call the pastors Daddy and Mummy. It was just recently I noticed that I had been calling them Daddy and Mummy for months and I did not die. So I have concluded that this "Daddy, Mummy thing" is not as bad as I thought (I'm not sure o).

My point is that I am human, and change is the only constant thing. My dear, don’t assume that the Adelola you knew in Ife is the one typing this o… I have changed gaaaaaaan. You could have been able to predict me then, but maybe not anymore, because I have changed; and I am still changing.

But do you know what? God testifies of himself "I am the Lord, I do not change" (Mal 3:6). Hebrews 13 says that He is the same yesterday, today and forever. So even if you cannot predict man that can change, you can be rest assured in God that if he said something about himself, then he remains that thing. God has not changed his mind about loving you. Scripture says he has loved you with an EVERLASTING LOVE. He tells you that you can now come boldly before his throne through the blood of Jesus, don’t worry he has not decided that the sins of this generation is too much, and then withdraw his mercy that the blood paid for.

So my dear, yes I know you have changed, but don’t judge God being same as you. He says that he remains the same forever. Trust that he is faithful. Be rest assured in him. He will not deny himself.

Much love,

Adelola

Only you can give birth to it!

Olufolakemi Ibidokun

 

How many people did it take to rescue the dying man on the Jericho road?

One good Samaritan!

How many people did it take to confront Pharaoh and lead the exodus out of Egypt?

Only one..... the man Moses!

How many people did it take to break the long-standing tradition, marched into her husband's throne room, spoke her mind and rescued her people from annihilation?

Just one ..... A Jewish slave girl.... Esther!

Are you feeling inadequate today?

Are you thinking, 'someone else should be doing this instead of me'?

Hear this......

GOD HAS PUT A DREAM INSIDE YOU. IT'S YOURS AND NO ONE ELSE'S!

Only you can live it!

It holds your potential!

It declares your uniqueness!

Only you can give birth to it!

Albeit.......

Not to discover it!

Not to act upon it!

Not to take responsibility for it!

IS A GREAT DISASTER!

As it will not only negatively affect yourself but also those who would have benefited from your dream.

THINK ABOUT THIS

Good morning!

DON'T DOUBT HIM

Bimbola Tayo-Bamidele

This message is one that is very crucial for this season.

It may not be a message for everyone.

But it's definitely a message for someone.

I was doing some meditation this morning and that part of the Scripture where John doubted if Jesus was really the Messiah lingered in my heart.

John the baptist was the one who announced Jesus to the world. He was the one who showed him to the people. He was the one who baptized him. He even said he was not worthy to tie the shoe lace of Jesus. He was Jesus' forerunner.

What on earth could make such a man to later send men to ask Jesus, "Are you really the Messiah that we have been waiting for or should we look for another one?"

See Luke 7 for details.

What happened to John?

What shook John's faith?

What made him doubt if Jesus really saves?

What trial of faith or level of adversity could make such a man lose confidence in the Lord?

The Bible says John had been imprisoned by Herod.

Perhaps, John expected and waited for Jesus' deliverance from that prison.

And when he did not see Jesus' brake light, he lost his faith in Jesus.

He heard of all the exploits Jesus was doing, yet, he doubted if Jesus was really the Messiah. His doubt was to the extent that he sent the same men he once told about Jesus, to ask Jesus, "Are you really the Saviour?"

Or maybe he didn't doubt Jesus.

Perhaps, he just was offended and angry and annoyed and bitter and disappointed that, despite all he did "for" Jesus, all he did and sowed into the Kingdom, and all his exploits for Jesus, Jesus would not "rescue" and deliver him from "prison".

When his messengers got to Jesus with the message from John, asking, "Are you really the Messiah, or should we look for another?"

See what the Bible recorded about Jesus' response, "...Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the good news (the Gospel) preached to them. And blessed (happy--with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, apart from outward conditions--and to be envied) is he who takes no offense in Me and who is not hurt or resentful or annoyed or repelled or made to stumble [whatever may occur]." Lk.7:22,23 (AMP) In other words, Jesus said, blessed is he who still retains his confidence, belief and trust in me, regardless of his situation, physical circumstances or whatever condition he finds himself in.

It was such blessed attitude that made the three Hebrew men declare unto the King, "O, king, let it be known to you, that, we are not mincing words in this matter. Our God whom we serve will save us from this fire of yours because He's able to. Nevertheless, if he does not, he remains our God and will remain magnified in our eyes forever more." (My paraphrase of Dan. 3:17,18) It was such blessed attitude that made Apostle Paul decree, "Who shall ever separate us from Christ's love? Shall suffering and affliction and tribulation? Or calamity and distress? Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword?

...For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Rom 8:35-39 Are you currently in a stage where your faith is beginning to get shaky like that of John the Baptist?

Or perhaps, you are beginning to get offended?

I want to encourage you this morning:

Don't doubt His love.

His love remains.

Don't doubt His faithfulness.

He is faithful still.

Don't doubt if He's for you.

He can never be against you.

Be strengthened.

Be encouraged.

Let your faith be rekindled.

Strength for your feeble knees in Jesus name!

"Nothing shall separate us from His love!"

TGD Etiquette Session Examination Malpractice

Bukola Olupona

Examination Malpractice

 

Good day ladies. I'm sure the week was a good one. It's the last weekend in August and we bless God for having brought us this far.

I was somewhere preparing for exams,the class was quiet initially,only for some people to come in and were proudly making fun of the people reading,it was really annoying because we were preparing for the same exams,but that's not the point, what got me was a later discussion. A: Don't mind them,is that how to read? (Laughter from two others)

B: Let's get going,so we won't lose our seats (an arrangement that helps communication)

C: We must not lose it o,meanwhile have you arranged everything in the right places? Jokes apart,can we really hand this lifestyle over to our children? *That got me* (The trio moved to another cliché) I can't fathom what happened, but I knew an argument came up about denomination,someone claiming she is a genuine member of a group in church, and was defending it. I couldn't tie the sharp contrast in their disposition. Are these christians? Yet they take pleasure in examination malpractices with all joy and claims to be Christians.

So the focus on this edition is Examination malpractices.

What is the limit for us as Christians?

What difference can we make,or is it right because the majority is doing it? Dubbing,sidewalks,chokes,bonding and all others,which is permissible, which is not?

What is the escape route for good success in exams without compromising?

Sisters, this is one menace we must face because it cuts across all facets of our lives. let's talk, let's shine as light,let's make a difference,but let's tell ourselves how?

Waiting for your responses in the comments below.

Thanks in advance.

AUGUST 2015 MESSAGE

Good day ladies. Happy new month.

We'll like to thank everyone that participated in the 7 days prayer. We pray that the Lord will hear our cry, visit us and give us testimonies.

For everyone trusting God for one thing or the other, here's Psalm 20 for you to meditate on. You shall be celebrated, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

Psalm 20

King James Version (KJV)

 

1 The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;

2 Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;

3 Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.

4 Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.

5 We will rejoice in Thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the Lord fulfil all thy petitions.

6 Now know I that the Lord saveth His anointed; He will hear him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand.

7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.

8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.

9 Save, Lord: let the king hear us when we call.

 

Have a testimony filled month ahead.

TGD PRAYS 27072015

TGD PRAYS

Good day sisters. How are you doing?

Can we pray for the following categories of people? This prayer post will be repeated for the rest of the week.

1. Our children.

2. Sisters trusting God for husbands

3. Sisters trusting God for the fruit of the womb 4. Sisters trusting God for marital restoration.

5. Sisters trusting God for healing for themselves and/or loved ones.

6. Widows and Orphans

7. Sisters trusting God for a financial miracle 8. Sisters who are dealing with difficult situations 9. Sisters trusting God for a (new) job/business.

10. Sisters who are dealing with betrayal from trusted family members and/or friends.

May the Lord bless you as we lift one another up in prayers.

TGD PRAYS - REJOICE, REFLECT AND REMEMBER

Good day ladies. We are in the sixth month of the year. It's a good time to REJOICE, REFLECT AND REMEMBER.

We REJOICE for the battles fought and victories won. Inspite of whatever challenges we may be dealing with, WE ARE STILL HERE!

We REFLECT about where we are on the way to where we are going. Let us take stock and allow God show us where we are on the way to where we are going.

Finally, we REMEMBER that the journey of life has end (whether it is by rapture or by death). We will give account of all that we have done and failed to do; all that we have said or failed to say. This ought to help us walk circumspectly.

 

This is also a good time to pray. Can we all pray as we are led for our sisters?

 

May the Lord hear and grant our petitions. Have a blessed day.

Shopping Etiquette

Bukola Olupona

 

TGD Etiquette Session.

Hearty greetings my beloved sisters.

An interesting one for us in this edition is Shopping Etiquette. Interesting right(?) Whether you are young,old,single or married,shopping is a part of everyday life. Some people are living better lives because of some shopping etiquettes they adopted(knowingly or unknowingly) Below are tips that can serve as guide for us.

1) What is your financial capability at the moment (it is important as this helps prioritising your needs)

2) What are the needs,prepare a shopping list,be sure to separate the wants to be taken after the necessities.

3) Now check 1 and 2 above,and let there be a balance.

4) Don't buy to pay at a later date, it eats into your budget,the clause here is DISCIPLINE.

5) Make sure to do a last check on your purse,don't forget it at home,its not funny to discover you left your purse(the one with money) at home at the point of purchase.

6) Sometimes its important to eat before going for shopping, depending on the week day,the market size and footfall,or your shopping list. Shopping can be energy-consuming

7) Be sure to strictly follow your list.

8) Having more than the actual amount is wisdom as there can be price variations.

Family Manners

Bukola Olupona

TGD Etiquette Session

 

Hello sisters. A quick look at Family Manners. Family is a gift from God and must be treasured. Charity begins at home. If we use our manners around everyone else in our lives and neglect to use them at home,that's not good enough. Family members are not perfect, just as you are not,but you know what,they are first hand practical specimen to prepare you for the larger society. We get hurt and irritated sometimes by those closest to us(family),but we sure don't want to lose them nor their respect.

Time spent at home should be an escape from daily pressures and aggravations. We should all do our share to create a comfortable, peaceful environment where everyone is valued and respected. Everyone wants a relaxing home environment, however it must be created.

 

So in the comments below,can we do this together by sharing ways we can make home a comfortable and peaceful environment for all family members.

 

Thanks in advance sisters.

GRACE

Oyeladun Ayorinde

Good evening beautiful Ladies and happy weekend. I'll like to share an excerpt of a message that had blessed me and I pray it blesses you too.

Exodus 19:3-4 "And Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel (4) Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagle's wings, and brought you unto myself "

I have always wondered at the use of the symbol of an eagle, and not any other bird to describe d deliverance of Israel from bondage. And I understood better after studying the characteristics of an eagle. An eagle,while flying, flaps d wings and then, when it rises to a level where no other birds can reach, it spreads it's wings out and begins to glide effortlessly.

God was making Israel know that He bore them on d Wings of Grace, with no effort from them.

Grace has been defined as d love and mercy given us by God, not because we deserve or earned it, but because God wanted us to have it.

Grace is generous, free, unexpected. Grace assures u of no struggle. Grace assures you of God's Presence with u.

Grace is anything that I need, but don't deserve. Grace is anything I can't repay, yet, God gives me. Grace is the countenance on God's face when He looks at my faults and failures.

Grace enables you to outrun even those who had gone ahead of you. ( 1 Kings 18:44-46) Ephesians 2 :8-9 By grace we are saved.

Today, the word "Grace" has become a slogan. Many have lost the understanding, the import and d depth of the word. Many even believe that it is their good deeds that earned them favors from God.

Romans 6:1-23 (*1-4) - Grace is not a license to commit sin. In fact, if we are truly saved, Grace helps us to hate sin.

As u go on in life, don't ever forget that what u are enjoying is grace. There's nothing that u have, that u are or wants to be that ur strength can give to u. I pray for u that u will not abuse grace.

Have a wonderful time in His Presence tomorrow.

Table Manners

Bukola Olupona

TGD Etiquette Session.

 

Good day ladies. The day is going on fine I believe. Let's talk about delicious moments: Table Manners.

 

One of the things that make mealtime more enjoyable (for yourself and others) is to learn the guidelines for good table manners.

 

Some helpful tips:

 

1) If you need something on the table that is not next to you,ask to have it passed to you. Never reach for it.

 

2) Eat most food with a knife and fork unless the host gives permission otherwise. On a picnic (or other informal settings), using your finger is fine.

 

3) Always chew with your mouth closed and wait to speak after you have swallowed.

 

4) Never take a drink while still chewing food (unless you are choking)

 

5) Don't rest your elbows on the table during the meal. This is acceptable before or after the meal.

 

6) Sit up straight while eating,never lower your head to pick up your food.Always lift the food to your mouth.

 

7) If a certain food doesn't appeal to you, take a small amount.

 

8) If you need to use the restroom during a meal,simply ask, "May I please be excused for a moment?" Don't ask ,"Can I use your bathroom "

 

9) Never hand-feed pets from the table during any meal.

 

10) Never leave your place at table until the host gives permission.

 

11) At your own home,always clear your plate and glass,at a friend's place,offer to help clear the table or help with the dishes.

 

12) Just as you thank God before the meal,make it part of you to always thank Him for the food and remember to thank the host or cook after the meal.

 

Can we have more helpful tips in the comments below.

 

I apologise for not posting on TGD Etiquette Session last week,it was due to circumstances beyond me.

 

Shalom and have a restful weekend.

Etiquette on Text Messaging

TGD Etiquette Session

 

Bukola Olupona

 

Dear Deborahs,I hope this meets you well. Today we shall be considering a topic requested by one of our sisters; Etiquette on Text messaging.

 

The following are a few tips to serve as guide in text messaging.

 

* If you text someone who doesn't have your phone number, start your message by stating who you are.

 

* When you have a chance, respond to a text message with either a text message or a phone call.

 

* Just as you shouldn't be answering your phone during a conversation, you shouldn't send a text message when you are engaged with someone else. If you are with someone who will not stop text messaging during your conversation, feel free to excuse yourself until they have concluded their message.

 

* Text message is informal,it shouldn't be used for formal invitations or to call off a relationship.

 

* Be aware of your tone, it is extremely difficult to discern tone in text messages,be careful to choose your words,don't send text message when you are tensed up or angry.

 

* Don't use slangs when sending text message.

 

* Don't assume that because you are awake,working, or not busy,that the person you are texting is as well.

 

* Be careful in your use of acronyms and abbreviations, they may not make meaning to your recipient.

 

Please feel free to add more tips in the comments below.

 

Happy workers day to our Nigerian sisters,and a blessed May to all.

ARE YOU THE STANDARD?

Adelola Edema

 

Many times, when someone asks if doing anything is a sin (wearing trousers or jewelry (of any kind), drinking alcohol, makeup, braiding or fixing hair extensions, going to church on Sundays, listening to secular music, even premarital sex), I've noticed that arguments are usually based on whether we do it or not. So someone asks if wearing trousers is sin, and people respond that they wear trousers, so it's not a sin. Or wine is not a sin because they drink.

 

My question is; are you the standard? When did the Bible call something a sin because it's not the norm?

 

And then some people say it's a sin because they don't do it. Or it's the prostitutes in there neighborhood that do such.

 

Please when did God make you the standard for judging right or wrong?

 

Sincerely, the one that shocks me is when people say that sex outside of marriage (premarital or extramarital) is not sin, because it's common.

 

It's not about judging or being judged, it's about understanding that you are not the standard.

 

I do some of the things mentioned above. I know that they are not sins, not because I do them, but because I've seen from the scriptures that they are not or I've not seen scriptures that say that they are sins. So I won't tell you that they are not sins because I have the Holy Spirit and He didn't convict me.

 

Peter had the Holy Spirit, but Paul told us in Galatians that Peter was hypocritical. I can imagine Peter saying his action was acceptable since he does so.

 

God's word is FINAL AUTHORITY. It's not about you at all.

Instant Messaging

TGD Etiquette Session.

 

Good day ladies, on TGDES today we shall be considering something interesting and educative,also sensitive,and that is.....

..... Instant Messaging

Instant Messaging has become quite popular these days. In many cases, its popularity has taken the common use of the telephone by storm. Using IM is a much more casual and less personal way of communication, making it less demanding. It is also very convenient especially for those who can type fast.

 

As with any communication in cyberspace,one need to keep some guidelines in mind:

 

* Always know who you are "chatting" with. Don't respond to an unknown screen name. ( a lot of people have been misguided, trapped,robbed and cheated carelessly through IM)

 

* Be careful with your words. There is no guarantee that your words are seen only by the person you are writing to.

 

* Remember that your words will be sent as soon as you press ENTER or SEND.

 

* If you don't get a response, don't keep sending messages. Stop until you hear back from that person.

 

* Respect other people's time. If they say they need to go,honour that.

 

* When and if you have to use someone else's phone,get the owner's consent,and let the person you are chatting with know you are the one (introduce yourself),its also good, you don't form the habit of using several lines to chat (this makes you seem an unserious and carefree person,who need not be taken seriously).

 

Inputs are welcome on the above

subject.

Good Listening

TGD Etiquette Session.

Bukola Olupona 

Good day ladies, so glad its our first anniversary, its been God,we celebrate His faithfulness.

 

Our focus for today's Etiquette session is Good Listening.

You wonder any big deal in listening? There is a whole lot and I believe we can all learn together as this is a strong basis for communication. Communication in itself involves give-and-take. Talking is only half the process; there can be no meaningful exchange without listening.

 

Here is some helpful advice for when you find yourself in a conversation:

 

* Look the person in the eye to show them you are attentive. Don't get distracted by other people or things around you.

 

* Smile to express interest ( unless the topic dictates otherwise)

 

* Use interjections (once in a while) to spur the conversation: "wow"; " oh no" "really"

 

* Nod your head to indicate that you understand what the other person is saying.

 

* Don't interrupt or try to finish someone's thoughts.

 

* Don't yawn or fall asleep.

 

* Don't look at your watch or look across the room.

 

* Don't fidget or move around.

 

Kindly help with more information on good listening or topics you would appreciate we discuss in future session.

 

Thanks for reading.

 

Adapted from Manners matter by F. Hartley and A. Hartley Smith.

Being A Thoughtful Host

Bukola Olupona

TGD Etiquette Session
Good day ladies. I am sure the day is going well, especially as we reflect on the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today we shall be considering "Being a thoughtful host" as a sequel to our last week topic.

Here are a few tips:
1) Make your guest's room tidy before the arrival of your guest, in the absence of a guest room, you can vacate your room and sleep in the living room.

2) Stock up for toiletries and food.

3) Allow your guest have some free time to herself, during the day.

4) Let your guest know the time you usually have your meals, particularly if you are not an early riser and she is(or the other way round) show her where to get what.

5) Give your guest a general overview of the town, e. g if there is curfew, transportation mode (commuters or taxi service)

6) Try to anticipate your guest's special needs.

Above all, it is your number one job to make your guest feel at home in your home.

Enjoy the rest of the day, and don't forget you can share with us in the comments below.

Shalom!

Whose Truth Is It?

Adelola Edema


When I was much younger, my elder brother said he didn’t like boiled fish. He complained about the smell and the taste. So I decided that I didn’t like boiled fish as well. The truth is I strongly believed that boiled fish was not good, and somehow it began to nauseate me. Sadly all my mother’s five children stopped eating boiled fish, and my mother had to always fry fish for us (We suffered that woman ehn).
Fast forward to my teenage years, my sister and I had now become the kitchen “madams”, and I discovered that frying fish was not easy; with the oil splashing and hurting you, the fact that you had to stay there and endure the smell of the fish frying (I hated that smell) etc. Brethren, the rule had to change o. I could now not come and kill myself. So my sister and I returned to boiling fish and forced the boys to start eating boiled fish (I’m not your mother, I cannot die for your sakes na).
If it was mothers’ day, this may have been a tribute to my mum. But it is not.
We can laugh and yab my siblings and I because we followed one person’s judgement and suffered my mum, but we were kids. Many of us as adult Christians are guilty of this as well. Somebody says that God’s word says something that is not in the Bible or that is from twisting a scripture taken out of context, and we swallow it and live by it. How many “Christian principles” do we live by that is not based on God’s word? In fact some things may be in the Bible, and one pastor told us that it does not concern Africans, and we happily discard it.
The painful thing is that we don’t just swallow these doctrines, we judge others by them. We find scriptural reasons to condemn and judge others, just because “our father/mother in the Lord said so”. May God forgive us! I have a number of examples in my head, but I won’t type them here. But let us examine ourselves. Are we living by God’s word or other people’s interpretations of the Word?
And we can only know what God’s word says by reading the Bible and asking the Holy Spirit to teach us. Even if it is from our pastor’s sermon, or Christian article, it is important to still allow the Holy Spirit teach, so we don’t swallow wrong teachings. The fact that other believers are preaching it doesn’t make it God’s word. Yearn for the revealed word of God and trust that the Holy Spirit will teach you.

Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God. (1 Cor 2:12, AMP)

But when the Friend comes, the Spirit of the Truth, he will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is. (John 16:13, MSG)"

Happy New Month - April 2015

Happy new month ladies.
May the month usher in a season of POSITIVE and TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGE in every area of our lives and in our nations.
As we prepare for Easter celebrations, ponder on this verse

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:5-6

Please leave a prayer for yourself, other sisters and our loved ones in the comments

TGD PRAYS FOR NIGERIA

Election Day 2015...
TGD PRAYS FOR NIGERIA
- May this election be peaceful, free and fair and may the Lord heal our Nation, Nigeria. Amen

- I pray that JESUS THE PRINCE OF PRINCE WILL ARISE AND MANIFEST HIS POWER IN DIS NATION AMEN

- I pray that God's will be done in Nigeria Amen

- Our country, Nigeria, we commit you into the hands of the Lord. You will not sink, you will not scatter. Let there be peace in this country during and after election, in Jesus' Name. Amen

- Lord, we pray that inspite of all the schemes and counter-schemes, only Your will prevails in our country. Dear Lord, frustrate the devices of the crafty so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

- Nigeria my beloved country. ....May you rise against all odds and may the glory of the LORD be constantly seen upon you

Join the train; pray for Nigeria and go out to vote, if you can. Don't participate in electoral violence and watch out for your own safety.

Being A Gracious Guest

Bukola Olupona

TGD Etiquette Session.

Good day ladies, today we shall be considering an interesting topic "Being a gracious guest".
A lot of wonderful relationships that took years of building has been soured by a weekend or a 2-day visit. How do I keep my valued relationship intact and stronger after a visit? Let's look at some of the listed points and please feel free to add any you feel will be helpful.

1) Pre-arrival - Always make your visit known to your host at least a week to your arrival,its also necessary to get a confirmation if it is convenient for your host. This shows some level of respect for your host and her family,this also allows her some time to prepare for your arrival.

2) To take along- It is always good to take along essentials like your toothbrush, change of cloth,nightwear, slippers etc it is very important, that you get a gift for your host no matter how small (it is called thoughtfulness)

3) Around the house- Let your presence be felt around the house (positively) Tidying up after yourself is a must: your bedspread and room,bathroom and toilet,doing the dishes and helping in the kitchen whenever you are around.

4) Ask questions - Don't assume,ask questions when in doubt. Don't poke around the your host's house. Ask if there are curfews around the locality. How,where and when are good words,use them.

5) Visitors- it can be worrisome when a guest suddenly becomes a host; get the permission of your host before you receive visitors,if it is important to see your visitor.

6) Making plans- Let your host know if and when you have a schedule, it helps your host plan ahead. e.g an appointment that may make you arrive later than usual or expected.

7) About to leave- Help tidy up as you prepare to leave. This shows you care. E.g your bedspread.

8) After your departure- It is very important, you call when you get back to say "thank you" this goes a long way to show your appreciation and makes you welcome some other time.

Enjoy the rest of the day. For our Nigeria sisters, hope you are prepared for the elections.

Speaking the Truth in Love

Good morning sisters. How are you doing? I trust that all is well.

This morning, I'll like to share from Ephesians 4:15.

"But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ"
Ephesians 4:15

The focus of this scripture and the passage it is found is actually maturing as a believer. It is key in our walk with the Lord.

The sub-theme I'll like to focus on is "Speaking the truth IN LOVE". As a person, I don't mind any form the TRUTH is dished to me - lovingly, harshly, anyhowly. However, the Bible gives us direction on how to communicate the truth - IN LOVE.

That does not mean that we are always "It is well", "You are blessed" people. Myj understanding is that we first EMPATHISE with whoever we're dealing with and then communicate the truth to them without compounding their issues.

Wikipedia defines Empathy as "theu capacity to understand what another person is experiencing from within the other person's frame of reference, ie, the capacity to place oneself in another's shoes".

I know some people's stories get you livid and you think you need to hit them hard. It is a battle I fight personally. I mean, you feel like shaking them back to the real world; they seem so lost in the world of silliness. As hard as it is for me to say, hitting people with harsh  words RARELY achieve the desired results.

Speaking the truth IN LOVE is hard but I believe it's achievable. It is a sign of maturity. I hope I will still have a tongue left seeing how often I have to bite my tongue these days, lol.

I'll like to say that telling lies/sugarcoating things is not the same as speaking the trutfh in love. If someone is off-track, telling them that God will fight their enemies and see them through is a horrid lie. However, beating them with harsh words ryarely achieves results either. I believe this is one reason why the counsel to pray about the matter before approaching whoever it is you need to tell the truth in love.

"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness" Proverbs 31:26

Thanks for the birthday wishes. You made my day memorable and pleasurable.

Have a blessed and productive day.

Effective Introductions

Bukola Olupona

Hello ladies, I 'm so sorry this is just coming. ETIQUETTE

Today our focus shall be on Effective Introductions

Introductions are important because we want to make good first impressions. We all want to make friends and be liked:we want to be remembered.
May I ask you, how would you rather be remembered?
Awkward or confident?
Shy or outgoing?
Lonely or friendly?
Nervous or relaxed?

Why else are Introductions so important? because people are important. Introductions are the first glimpse others see of us -and let's face it. When you first meet someone, you want to communicate to them that they are important. When you say, "Glad to meet you, " you want them to know it's true.
Here are some basic guidelines for introductions:
1) Stand-even if you are in a seated position when you are introduced to someone, always make the effort to stand. Standing immediately expresses respect and says to the person "you are important enough to make me get out of my seat" On the other hand, if you simply remain seated when you greet someone, you are saying the opposite, "you don't mean much to me: you 're not worth the energy it takes me to stand up. " This may seem like a small matter, but it's not. This is where relationships begin, sure we want to begin on the right foot.

2) Smile- I'm sure you'll will agree with me, most of our communication is done without words. A smile on your face says to others. "It's my priviledge to meet you", it's also a way to make others comfortable in your presence. A genuine smile is the best way to show someone acceptance, favour and respect.

3) Look the person in the eye- The eye is the window into the soul "Eye contact is crucial for an effective introduction. When you look someone in the eye, you re communicating interest, attention, and confidence. Failure to look people in the eye can also also indicate insecurity or nervousness. If you have trouble maintaining eye contact, be sure to diagnose the cause and work to overcome it.

4) Shake hands firmly- Every culture has a physically expression of greeting. Each is a form of respect and friendship. some people bow, others kiss on each cheek, in our Africa context, for an elder, you knee, for official purpose or same age bracket - hand shake is just fine. Make your handshake friendly but firm.

5) Listen carefully - Specifically listen for the person's name and work to remember it. If you don't hear the name clearly, ask for it to be repeated. Don't ever be embarrassed to ask for clarification, it shows that you have respect for the person and that you want to remember their name.

6) Greet the person using their name- Using someone 's name when you greet them immediately puts them at ease and let's them know you value them. Learning and using a person' so name is another way of saying, "you are a significant person to me"

Remember manners matter and do to others as you would like them to do to you.

Credit - Fred Hartley and Andrea Have Smith. Have great weekend.