Etiquette Introduction

Bukola Olupona

Good afternoon ladies. How is the day going? As God planned it, I believe. We are starting a series on Etiquette(a forthnight feature) Today is an introductory edition to whet our appetites.
What is etiquette and why etiquette?
Etiquette simply put is good manners,they are like guidelines that help us in interaction with others. There maybe variations by extension of culture but good manners means treating others how you would love to be treated.

Some of us will rather not go out,because we are loss for what to do in the company of others,some have lost precious opportunities, cos of the loss of wonderful people, God placed in their lives by their behaviours. We can all learn together and become better together.
We are trusting God that this series will help us

build confidence in our interactions with people
be at ease in new settings
avoid embarrassing situations
make friends easily and
be courteous toward others.

Manners are actually a form of loving others,we show others love by showing them respect. By treating them courteously,we are treating them the way we would want to be treated.This is love.
I leave us with these scriptures
"Do to others as you would have them do to you" Lk.6:31 (NIV)

" Love each other as I have loved you" Jh 15:12 (NIV)

Have a memorable weekend.

Adapted from Manners Matter by Fred Hartley and Andrea Hartley Smith

A CITY CALLED LAISH

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

There is a story in Judges 18 that is worth looking at. While majority of the chapter talks about Micah, the Danites and the Levite, verse 7 describes a city called Laish. Verse 7 is the focus of this post.

We are told that the people who were in Laish were living securely, in the same way as the Sidonians, QUIET AND UNSUSPECTING. There was nothing lacking in the land and no oppressive ruler. THEY WERE FAR FROM THE SIDONIANS, HAVING NO ALLIANCE WITH ANYONE.

 

The people of Laish were leading great lives. Everything was going according to "plan". There was no oppressive ruler. They thought all was well. They didn't need any alliance with their closest neighbours. However, they were blissfully ignorant of the fact that some external aggressors wanted their land. We are told in verses 27 and 28 that the Danites went to Laish, killed them with their swords and burnt their city. There was no one to save the people of Laish because it was far from Sidon and they had no alliance with anyone. They were easy preys for the Danites.

Sisters, this is a wake up call to everyone that has built an isolated life. God did not design us to live isolated lives. One of the songs by "Mary Mary" says "Everybody needs somebody..." You weren't designed to go through life isolated.

If there is anyone here who is quarelling with her next door neighbours/co-tenants, this is the time to follow peace with them as much as you can.

This is also a CALL TO PRAYER. The people of Laish were UNSUSPECTING. The aggressors caught them by surprise and killed them all. Sisters, please let's take out time to pray that the Lord opens our eyes to the areas of our lives where we have been unsuspecting. Jesus told Peter that Satan desired to sift him but He (Jesus) had prayed for him (Peter).

Sisters, let us pray.

Dear Father, we thank You for sounding the wake up call. We pray that You open our eyes to see every area that we have been quiet and unsuspecting. Thank You, Lord, for showing us how to close the gaps.

Lord, we enlist Your help in securing our borders and fending off the enemy, in Jesus' Name. No weapon fashioned against us shall prosper and we condemn every tongue that rises against us in judgment.

Dear Lord, please secure our lot.

Thank You, Lord, for answered prayers, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

The Missing Donkeys

Adelola Edema

Have you read 1 Samuel 9 before? It tells the story of where Saul met Samuel. Samuel later anointed him as the king of Israel. We are told that Saul met Samuel when he was on a search for his father’s donkeys that had been missing.

I can talk about many things from this passage; obeying your father and running errands, meeting a man of God, and so on and so forth. But my focus today is on the missing donkeys.

Have you ever lost anything of importance? I’m sure you may have lost your money before, your pen just before a test or exam, your exercise book (all these I have lost before) etc. But much more, have you lost a relationship (I mean a breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend), marriage, job, an opportunity to invest etc?

This year 2015, prepare to find more than what you lost. I wish Saul stayed at home praying for the donkeys to return, and then I can be using this scripture to pray while I just stay in my house. But Saul left the comfort of his house. Much more, at the suggestion of his servant Saul sought for God’s word (through the prophet) and that led him to more than the missing donkey. He found destiny! He found the throne!

Remember that in those days, they didn't have the Bible or the Holy Spirit as we have now. So even though God may speak to us through His servant, His primary way of speaking to us will be through His word and the Holy Spirit. So as we ACTIVELY search for what we've lost (it doesn't matter what it is), let’s pay attention to the instructions that will come. And I believe God strongly that even though we may be seeking for donkeys, we’ll find the throne. We may be seeking for that which will benefit us alone, but we’ll find that which will benefit the kingdom of God and will have eternal benefit for us, in Jesus’ name.

ps: Notice that Saul’s father’s donkeys were eventually found. So God will definitely restore that which has been lost.

Happy Valentine Season!

I AM THE ONLY ONE LEFT

Adenike Adebola

06/02/2015

Good day people. How is the day going?

I’m thinking of Elijah. I know he did great exploits, called down fire etc. However, I’m thinking of Elijah, the discouraged prophet today. The story is in 1 Kings 19: 1-18
First of all, the prophet that called down fire that consumed the prophets of Baal ran away because a woman was threatening his life…Uhmmmm. Anyway, I’m thinking what I would have done if I was Elijah’s servant. Everyone must have known that the dude was Elijah’s servant yet Elijah left him in Judah and continued fleeing for his life. What do you think the dude did with himself?t would you have done with yourself if you were the servant? What are followers to do when their ‘powerful’ leaders are discouraged and are taking steps that are not exactly based on the leading of the Holy Spirit? Please feel free to share your views and experiences.
Elijah’s ‘prayer’ in verse 4 is very amusing to me. If he had truly had enough and wanted to die, why didn’t he just wait for Jezebel to kill him, lol. Have you ever tried that kind of emotional blackmail with God before? I know I have. I’ll share my story later. Thank God for His mercies that preserve us even when we’re acting foolishly.
I find God’s question in verse 9 perplexing. Why was He asking Elijah what he was doing there? Why didn’t the angel talk with Elijah about this journey when he was given sustenance? A lesson for me is that the fact that you’re enjoying God’s provision and protection does not mean you’re on the right path. God didn’t send Elijah on that journey; it was fear that sent him on the journey…
Then we read about God showing up in the gentle whisper after all the ‘effizy’ of the great/powerful wind, the earthquake and the fire. Then He asks AGAIN “What are you doing here, Elijah?” HINT, ELIJAH, YOU ARE IN THE WRONG PLACE! Do you think Elijah got the message? I think not. I think his response is similar to one I’ve given before “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty…I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
After addressing other issues, God told Elijah “Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel — all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him.” Have you ever been in that place where you feel like everyone else is evil and YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE LEFT? I have and I’ll share my story and learnings.
In my final year in the University, I was put in the position where I had to lead a couple of leaders in fellowship. I was responsible for ensuring that they were doing what they ought to do. These leaders were also students that had to ensure that they kept up with their studies. Of course, that meant that they were not always available when required in fellowship. Being the “achiever” that I am, I think I took the role a little too personal, lol. Of course, I had to explain to the pastor why people were absent. I would call them, inform them about the meeting, get their agreement to show up etc. Then it’ll be time for the meeting and we’ll record like 10 or 15 % attendance. I’ll then explain to my pastor how I did all that I was supposed to do yet they wouldn’t show up. I’ll follow up with them later and hear amazing things. I remember that one leader told me that she thought the meeting was scheduled to hold 2 hours later (she actually showed up 2 hours later, smelling like roses). I had sent a text message with the meeting time and I remember calling her to confirm that she would be available.
At some point, I couldn’t take it anymore. I decided that I wasn’t fit for the role. So, I went with many tears to my pastor and told him that I wanted to step down from the role. I wasn’t used to things not going according to plan. I couldn’t deal with having to explain why people were acting the way they did etc. My pastor spent about 5 minutes laughing at me, after consoling me. He asked me to calm down and pray about my decision. I was really sure I wanted to resign but I decided to listen to someone else. I had the chat with him on a Saturday.
Sunday morning came and I grudgingly went for service. We had a pastor from another school (same ministry) that preached. As he was talking, I wondered if my pastor mentioned anything about our chat the previous night to the visiting pastor. It was like he came just to counsel me…It was one of the most amazing sermons I ever heard. It's over ten years and I still remember that sermon like I heard it a few minutes ago. The pastor spoke to leaders and asked us if we thought we loved God more than the people we were leading. Frankly, my honest answer was YES! He went on to tell us that it is the same blood of Jesus that saved us that also saved our members. He said he was tempted to even think that some members love God more than some leaders. I was convicted! I had a change of attitude, stayed on in the role and "miraculously" got better responses from the leaders (I learnt to truly care about them and their personal challenges, instead of focusing on getting them to attend meetings).

I came across a post recently that reminded me of this story. Essentially, the poster gave the impression that the church was totally hopeless. I dare say that God always leaves a remnant. It is absolutely correct to take heed to sound doctrine. However, we need to be careful not to adopt a self-righteous attitude; it quickly grows on us.

ERROR

Oyeladun Ayorinde

03/02/2015

 

Hello sisters. Sure you had a wonderful day . Can we consider the issue of ERROR even as we march on in this year of celebration?

 

"Error is something that is not correct: a wrong action or statement. An act or condition of ignorant or imprudent deviation from a code of behaviour" (Webster dictionary).

 

Error,as rightly put, is every deviation from d Word of God knowingly or unknowingly. (You know, it is that "unknowingly" that really got me afraid. It shows that God does not spare error) Error is borne out of lack of trust in God, it is also borne out of pride. And as bible scholars, we know that pride and unbelief are not accepted by God. God hates error and I believe that He personally supervises the punishment that results from error. Oh yes,I am sure somebody is saying "But He is merciful". I believe totally with you, He is merciful, He forgives, He forgets but the consequences of the error are likely to stay with you forever.

 

2Samuel 6: 6-7 "And when they came to the threshing floor,Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for d oxen shook . And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God"

 

Ecclesiastes 5:6- "Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel,that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice and destroy the work of thine hands?"

 

I need to emphasise that God does not spare error, no matter who you are.

 

Daniel 6:4--" Then the presidents and prince's sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; for as much as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him"

Psalm 19:12-"Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults"

The implication here is that no matter how difficult it is to avoid error, we can actually avoid it. Daniel did, we too can but it is only by the help of the Holy Spirit.

If you have waited this long for your miracle, please keep waiting. Don't go into error. Allow patience to be perfected in you. God bless you real good is my prayer for you.

CONDUCT

Adelola Edema

31/01/2015

 

This is my first time of writing for The Gathering of Deborahs’ blog, and I’m pretty excited. But much more than impress them (and have them invite me to write again), I’m hoping to speak God’s word to you.

I’m one of those Christians that question doctrines and what being a Christian is about. I remember arguing in high school, that one is not a Christian if you don’t behave exactly like Christ. But I’ve always wondered what behaving like Christ means.

In John 8:12, Jesus said he is the light of the world. And Matt 5:14 says that we are the light of the world (Did Jesus just say that we are like him already?). Isaiah 60:1 says we should arise and shine for our light has come. And many more scriptures that talk about light that we know. Anyway, I was wondering about this light; I wondered how the light that we are, will show. And I wondered if it was some kind of aura that we carry or charisma or plenty money or success or.....etc. Sincerely, it could be any of these, but according to Matt 5:16 our light will show through our GOOD WORKS. So brethren, are you showing off good works where you are? If not, then your light is not shining.

 

So in my thoughts on good works, I started thinking about character, conduct and most importantly, love. Many Christians talk about the love walk from time to time, but seriously how many “love walks” do we really see? The truth is, we’ve heard so much on how to walk in love and they seem so vague and so we have found it hard to show this love of God. So in my little meditation, I have concluded that if we start with 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, our love walk will be more visible.

Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.  (1Cor 13: 4-7, CEV).

 

Let’s start by being a little bit more patient with people. Show acts of kindness, which includes giving. Let’s think of other people also, we should not be concerned about ourselves only. We need to see Christians rejoicing at the truth and not bad or evil things. Let’s be supportive of other people (maybe in their dreams or stuff like that). Brethren, let’s stop keeping a record of wrongs. Also why do we have rude Christians? Please let that change.

And as we start with 1 Cor 13: 4-7, our character will become more admirable and the Holy Spirit will guide us to love more.

 

1 Pet 2:12 (AMP) says CONDUCT yourselves properly (honourably, righteously) among the Gentiles, so that, although they may slander you as evildoers, [yet] they may by witnessing your good deeds [come to] glorify God in the day of inspection [when God shall look upon you wanderers as a pastor or shepherd looks over his flock]

I know we can’t do these by our power, but one thing I have learnt; if God instructs us, He gives us the grace. So as we make the decision to glorify God through our actions, let’s remember that God empowered us by calling us “THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD”.

 

Shine on!

PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER

02/02/2015

Good day sisters. Happy new month.

We will like to invite you to pray for yourself and other sisters. Please meditate on the scriptures below as you raise your voice to the Lord, Who says "Call upon Me, I will answer and show you great and mighty things which you don't know"

Ephesians 6:18

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints

1 Thessalonians 5:25-26

Brethren, pray for us.

Hebrews 13:18-19

Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things...

 James 5:14-16

Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

1 John 5:16

If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this.

1 Timothy 2:1-2

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

Please join us in the prayer chain with your comments and your 'likes'. If you have a personal prayer request, please share in the comments or send an email to thegatheringofdeborahs@gmail.com. We will attend to it appropriately.