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| Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh |
When I was a teenager, there was a boy who liked me. He invited me to go swimming in a popular river in the community we lived in. Now, that river was a place my parents warned us never to go near. My mum was especially strict about it. She used to say the river didn’t like non-indigenes, and there had been quite a few deaths connected to it. I remember she even warned my brother seriously when he once mentioned going there. I think they even announced in church for parents to tell their children to stay away.
Interestingly, that same river was where I got baptized—though in a different area, the sand dredging site that’s more controlled. But still, this boy kept asking, and one day when my parents were out, I followed him—and a few others—to the river.
Now that I think of it, neither of us knew how to swim. We were young and just wanted to have fun, but looking back now, it was such a dangerous thing to do. The part of the river we went to was near an abandoned school. We just got in the water and stayed there for a while. I even went near a narrow part at one point, not knowing how risky it was. Thank God nothing happened.
Afterward, I rushed home, took my bath, applied some cream, and acted like nothing had happened—because my mum could always tell when someone had been in the water. She’s from Rivers State, so she just had that sensitivity. She used to look at my brother and say, “You went to that river,” and she’d be really upset.
As for me, I never dipped my head, so my face stayed dry, no red eye, and looked normal. I didn’t even have proper swimwear—just regular clothes and a change of clothes. But what’s interesting is that even though I didn’t dip my head, whenever my mum came back, she would still look at me like she sensed something was off. She was that perceptive.
We did that three times—completely unsupervised. Looking back now, I know I didn’t act wisely at all. It was careless and dangerous.
But just recently, God reminded me of that and told me, “I protected you.” That really touched me. Now that I understand better, I realize that could have easily been a trap. But God stepped in, even when I wasn’t thinking straight.
So I just want to thank Him for His mercy and protection. Even when I was unaware, He was watching over me.
So I just want to thank Him for His mercy and protection. Even when I was unaware, He was watching over me.
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Psalm 16:8: I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Psalm 62:2 and 6: He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved.
Psalm 34:8, Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Psalm 100:5 says, For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Psalm 100:5 says, For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Sometimes, I have a lot on my mind to write about but can hardly figure out how to put them down in words. I stare at my laptop, changing topics, starting paragraphs that I never finish. This morning I woke up a bit worried about my face and how poor my facial care has been. I opened my laptop hoping to continue writing one of the previous articles which I already started but little or no idea was forthcoming. Tho mornings are pretty refreshing for me but I found myself writing words that didn't blend together. I have been stressed and needed some rest but at the same time, I also needed to update my website.
Thinking about one of the most controversial issues in Nigeria at the moment, about the founder and leader of the Commonwealth Of Zion Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo who have been accused of sexual assault by Busola Dakolo, is a warning to every leader to recheck and restructure. There are things in which Ministers and Pastors both male and female should always consider and carefully follow these rules to avoid situations that can lead them into temptation or expose them to unpleasant situations.
All over the world, this act happens every day. A serious allegation and should be looked into carefully. When a pastor is accused of such, it affects him and his ministry as a whole. It takes the grace of God for the church to stand. There are wicked people in the world hiding under the umbrella of religion and doing evil, we should not also forget that there are also people in the world looking for great people who uphold religion to bring them down. Nobody is perfect which brings us to the reason why Pastors, Ministers, Leaders, or anyone holding a delicate office in the Christiandom should follow these rules and put things in place right now if they haven't done so.
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Do not have a secretary of the opposite Gender. Man and Woman of God, even the Bible says in the book of Romans 13:14, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Making provision for the flesh is the opposite of fleeing temptation. We make provision for our flesh when we accommodate things that lead to sin, by so doing we are actually making preparations for sinning. Employing a female secretary as a man is making provision for sin (Vice versa). Having a male travel assistant as a woman of God is making provision for sin. Do not open doors for tempting situations and expect the devil not to use it against you or make you fall into temptation. Do not visit Church members alone, whether it is a family or a single brother or sister. When you are going for a visit inform a worker in the Church to go with you. Be careful because the devil is working tirelessly to bring down the Church and usher more people into hell.
Tithing has been one of the most trending issues patterning giving in the Church and people have different ideas about tithing but the answer is in the Bible. As a Minister of God, it is advisable that you are not in charge of Church funds. Always remember that a clean heart and hand are very important not only before God but also before man. Money has power and can make one lose focus if we don't watch it. There are trusted members in the church that can follow up with the Church fund organization. As a Pastor or a Minister of God, money can be tempting and can also bring conflicts in your Ministry or Church. This is very delicate as even the Bible made us know in the book 1 Timothy 6:10 King James Version (KJV), For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Counselling hours. I am very sure a lot of people have heard stories of counselling sessions going wrong. Ministers and Pastors should have security cameras in their offices, one trusted Church leader should always be inside the counselling room or Pastors office during counselling sessions. Stop every form of counselling that falls during late hours.
Prayer and counselling pattern. It is very clear that different people have different ministries in Christendom and we pray to the same God but in different ways. As a Pastor please be careful where you lay your hands on. If you are a male Pastor and issues that focus on sensitive parts of the female body are brought to you, it is wise to speak the word instead of laying hands (Vice versa with female leaders). A clear example of faith manifested in the Bible can be found in the book of Matthew 14: 22-33, which shows that our words are powerful and backed up by God. God can never be put to shame. Believe in his word and do his will and he will confirm his word. Miracles are done by God not man. Don't send the wrong information while trying to do the right thing. This can be seen as sexual harassment by the lady. He is Jehovah Rapha (The Lord your healer). The name of Jesus is above anything you can name and it means it has authority over all situations. 2 Corinthians 5:7 New King James Version (NKJV) For we walk by faith, not by sight.
The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. Mattew 8:8.
Matthew 11:28-29 NLT says, Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Jeremiah 30:17 King James Version (KJV)
17 For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.
John 14:13 Read more.
Acts 3. Read more.
Perhaps you have heard the impatient man’s prayer. It goes something like this: “Lord, I need patience, and I need it RIGHT NOW!”
In a world filled with discourteous drivers, selfish or thoughtless customers, personality conflicts with coworkers and the constant demands of children and family, we often need patience just to keep it together!
There is an old Dutch proverb that says, “A handful of patience is worth more than a bushel of brains.” Experience often shows that a patient person will make better decisions and see more favourable outcomes in life than a very intelligent person who doesn’t have the patience to wait for the right time and opportunity.
Leonardo da Vinci is credited with saying, “Patience serves as protection against wrongs as clothes do against cold. For if you put on more clothes as the cold increases, it will have no power to hurt you. So in like manner, you must grow in patience when you meet with great wrongs, and they will then be powerless to vex your mind.”
In Galatians 5:22 the apostle Paul recorded a list of characteristics that are borne of God’s Spirit. The fourth one on the list is “long-suffering,” better understood today as patience. It is an attribute of the Creator God and something that is very important for a Christian to possess as well.
Patience can protect our minds and emotions, but it can also guide us to think and view the struggle of life in a proper manner. Let’s look at two primary ways patience applies to us.
1. Patience with God
How do you react when God does not respond to your prayers with the answer or the timing you want?
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