Thriving Words

Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God    - Hebrew 6:1 It's one thing to invite Jesus into your life, it's another thing to submit to His Lordship  and be in relationship with Him forever. Most times, you have asked Jesus to come into your Life but truthfully, the awesome difference has kinda died and it seems you are back to your old self after your 'salvation' experience. So you asked, 'how do I ensure I continually grow in my Salvation experience'? When you plant a seed, do you just abandon it like that? Won't you watered it, watch over it and in some, you apply your fertilizer? So also in your relationship with Jesus, you must understand you have to continually water that relationship. How? You may asked. • By studying His Word - when you read the Bible, you get to know the mind of God concerning you and your futu...

"When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ Jesus. He forgave us all our sins”   - Colossians 2:13 Last nite, an important theme came to my mind; Death. Whenever death is been spoken of, folks rejects it and some even don't talk about it. As if we all ain't gonna die. One of the sure thing of life is death. We shall all die someday. Well, that is not the focus of my post. Here it is: There are two types of death, the first one is the physical death that everybody knows about, that one day, you will breathe your last and you will buried deep down the ground or perhaps burnt into ashes. Whatever way it is, one will die this physical death.  The second type of death is the spiritual death. Spiritual is separation of the soul from God. The physical death is the separation of the soul from the body. Truth be told, the spiritual death is what we should be fearful of. Spiritual death is worst death t...

The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped. - Proverbs 11:25 MSG One traits common among folks is to show off God's blessing. They live to impress. Material blessings is for us to be blessed and be a blessing unto others.  It's unfortunate that we have turn material blessing to be a tool of oppression to others. Since you have brought that car, how many folks have you taken to the church despite you getting lifts. Since you have been blessed financially, how many poor students have you sponsored despite you been a scholarship beneficiary. Since you have soared spiritually, how many folks have you witnessed to. Don't be carried away in your wealth. God has blessed you for you and your generation. If no one else could felt the impact of God's blessings in your life, then it's a waste. Abraham was so blessed that even his relative Lot was blessed.  Are you enjoy the blessing of God alone? It shouldn't be so, b...

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. - Galatians 6:9 Have you ever help someone before and it landed you in trouble or perhaps you assisted somebody and you regretted it? I have heard stories of folks that helped people and some even went to jail for helping. I have seen a generous giver been pAid back with evil by those he gave to. Sometimes, you hear all these stories and you want to stop the good things you have been doing for people. Paul advise us not to be weary of doing good. You shouldn't not get tired of helping other people no matter how they have treated you. God knows and sees every of your good deeds. You shouldn't be discouraged when you get hurt for doing good. Despite the good deeds of Jesus, He was beaten, stripped, crushed down.  Continue to do good, continue to be nice, if God couldn't give up on you despite your own bad ways, you shouldn't give up on others too... one sure thing is i...

If it had not been the LORD who was on our side,... - Psalm 124:1-5 Few years back, I remember complaining about some things that didn't go my way. I was so bitter about it. While still complaining, I met someone who narrated his tragic true life story to me: he was virtually drown in the storms of life . In an instant, I immediately change my complaining to thanksgiving. This is what God taught me; though things might been bad, it could have been worst. Over the years, I have come to acknowledge that  if not that God is on my side, I would have been consumed. The greatest danger a man can be in is not to have God on his side. When you don't have God on your side, when the storms rises, it will drown you. The difference in a believer life is God. As a believer, even when things are tough, believe and know that God has made a way of escape for you.  Some people has gone through what you went through and they didn't survive it. As long as God is on your side; that...

Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.      - 1 Samuel 2:12  The children of Eli, a Priest of the High most God, are sons of Beliah, a common idol. One can’t but wonder how on earth Eli’s children became Idol worshippers overnight. How did it happen? Most times, these things don’t happen at once but gradually. You find that your Child stop going to church and you decided not to bother yourself believing that God will touch him/her in His own way and time. Children generally are inexperienced and novice. So as they grow up, they need to be guided, directed and instructed by the Parents who are experienced. Because you have just one child doesn’t mean there is a special way to treat an Only Child. God expects every parent to win the soul of their Children to Christ. Your children should be your first convert if you haven’t had any before having them. Eli is a typical example of an average clergyman who is busy with the ‘work of the Lord’...

Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.      - 1 Samuel 2:12  One major failure that cost Eli his life and ministry is his failure to train up his children. God marked him a failure. Imagine a whole high priest of a nation and his children doesn't know the Lord. It's oblivious he failed to teach the children the ordinances of the Lord, perhaps been a priest, he  thought the children will be seeing all what he is doing and learn from there rather than sit them down and teach them the ordinances of God. In this present time, there are so many parents who like Eli ain't teaching their children in the way of the Lord. God is going to hold every parents responsible for the failure of their children. God explicitly told the Israelites to TEACH their children about the ways of the Lord. Daddy and Mummy, you have a duty to train up your children in the way of the Lord, nothing short of that is expected from you. Many parents don't ...

Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. - Luke 9:48 On Sunday, I watched a video about a boy  popularly know as  'Shanawole' that was rescued from the street in the slum area in Lagos, Nigeria during a rehabilitation mission by Pastor Tony Rapu. That act really touched me. Shanawole is a product of our broken system. What touched me  is the steps taken by Pastor Tony to take this boy off the street. Truth is that what God has called us to do. Most time, we are contended with our lives, we do not remember those kids on the street, those orphans. We are so selfish these days that we only care for ourselves and ourselves alone. You might not be able to rescue a child from the street all by yourself but you can donate to those NGOs doing that, you can decide to buy food for those kid-beggars or homeless kids around you. For those who came from a wonderful family unit, you don't reall...

...time to keep silence, and a time to speak; - Ecclesiastes 3:7  There was a conspiracy against Joseph by his brothers, He was attacked and sold into slavery but little did they know that The plans of God for his life will still come to pass. But what actually led Joseph to go through all that troubles was his mouth. He didn't learn to kept his mouth shut (Genesis 37:5) It's not everything about yourself that you tell people. There is a time to talk and a time to be silent. Not everyone around you who is smiling actually have good intentions for you. Joseph brothers eventually bowed to him but he really suffered along the way. When you talk carelessly, you will suffer much. Samson's ministry was cut short because He leak out his secret, he couldn't keep his mouth shut (Judges 16:17). It's not everything you see, you must talk about, some people are fighting avoidable battles because of their loose mouth. When God show you certain things, it's for ...

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God ; - 1 Corinthians 1:18 These days, it baffles me when I see so called 'believers' trying to blend in with the world. Some churches have even designed their service to make it interesting and attractive to unbelievers. The word of God is not just for making an unbeliever to be so comfortable and still in sin l. One things folks have not understand is that God intentionally chose the foolish and weak things of this world. So it's not your blending or attractive church service that will save the Worldly folks but the power of God. Enough of us trying to run the things of God as the things of the world. Enough of us watering down the powerful gospel of God. Enough of us trying to use earthly things to attract unbelievers to heavenly things. We can't serve God in carnality. It doesn't work.  Preaching the true gospel to the unbelievers is...

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.           - Matthew 16:33 I got so many responses on the post yesterday and Is glaring that so many folks can't still grasp why bad things happen when we have a 'too-good' God. I will like you to know and note the following: Firstly Because God knows about a thing doesn't necessarily mean He caused it to happen. Secondly, God allow Job to be tested but He didn't test Him, the devil did. God doesn't test with evil. Thirdly, you don't need to attack the devil before he attacks you. He is always and constantly looking for whom to steal from, kill and destroy. That is his mission and honestly he is doing just that. Fourthly, we (the believers) are not of this world but as long as you are alive, you are in this world. Fifthly, being a Christian or believer doesn't mean you ...

For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.   - 1 Pet 3:17   God does not cause our misfortunes. Some are caused by bad luck, some are caused by bad people, and some are simply an inevitable consequence of our being human and being mortal, living in a world of inflexible natural laws. The painful things that happen to us are not punishments for our misbehavior, nor are they in any way part of some grand design on God’s part. Because the tragedy is not God’s will, we need not feel hurt or betrayed by God when tragedy strikes. We can turn to Him for help in overcoming it, precisely because we can tell ourselves that God is as outraged by it as we are. The question we should be asking is not, “Why did this happen to me? What did I do to deserve this?” That is really an unanswerable, pointless question. A better question would be “Now that this has happened to me, what am I going to do about it?” Martin Gray, a survivor ...

For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.   - 1 Pet 3:17   We've all heard it numerous times: "Why would a God who is all-good, all-knowing, and all powerful allow bad things to happen to good people?" We can also turn the question around: "Why would an all-good, all-knowing, and all-powerful God allow good things to happen to bad people?" After all, while seeing good people suffer is horrible, it's not much fun seeing evil people having fun either. It has to be said, though, that this question is sometimes asked in innocence by people with a genuine desire to understand what seems impossible to understand. Other times it's asked by people who have suffered or whose loved ones have known grief and loss. They honestly want to know:  How could God let this happen to me and to mine? Why wouldn't God stop this pain and help me?  After all, sometimes we experience devastating suffering. Just cons...

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.   - Matthew 11:28 It's still baffles me that when folks got problem, God is usually the last person they talked to about the problem. We so much believes in fellow humans and when they disappoint us, we call the world a wicked Place. When you are in distress, in pain or in whatever problem. The first person you should talk to is God. He knows about it all and He will surely deliver you from it. Jesus has promised all those who are   Tired and worn out in life to come unto Him and He will give them rest. Have you been running from Pillar to post because of one issue or the other? Have you been restless because one Problem or the other.  Come unto Jesus and He will give you rest over them all. I pray for you that every challenges you are facing won't sink you. The good God will surprise you in a mighty ways. I declare peace and restoration over every broken area of your li...

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.   - Matthew 11:28 Life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes we go through pains and it worn us out. Maybe your marriage is crumbling, maybe there is much pressure for you to get married, maybe you are financially broke, maybe you need fund to start a business, maybe you haven't be pregnant since you marry, maybe maybe maybe... whatever problems you have got, whatever makes you shed tears, all the shame you're going through, I have a good news for you, there is Someone who you can tell all these problems to and be rest assured that All will be well.  There is this wonderful inspiring hymn you will like... if you know it song it and be encouraged: Are you weary, are you heavy hearted? Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus. Are you grieving over joys departed? Tell it to Jesus alone. Refrain Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus, He is a Friend that’s well known. You’ve no othe...

Therefore say to the children of Israelites: ‘I  am  the  Lord ; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an  outstretched   arm  and with great judgments. - Exodus 6:6  Good Morning Folks, I trust you had a wonderful weekend. Welcome to a new week of unlimited exploits, miracles and breakthrough. I want to invite you all to an instagram challenge started by the popular singer Nathaniel Bassey, the movement is called OLOWOGBOGBORO (means the out stretched arm of God).  This challenge is all about praising  God for one hour from 12am midnight to 1am (GMT) If you are on instagram, just follow Nathaniel on @ nathanielblow .  The challenge is going for 30 days and has started since June 1. Log on to your instagram by 12am (GMT) and connect live as we praise God in an unusual way. Tell your friends, family, loved ones, even foes... The move o...

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.    - Ephesians 4:32 The below story is about a woman from Rwanda who forgave her husband killer and even adopted him as son. It's a lengthy story, I want you to take your time to read it and let it minister to you. This true life story is told by Mark Finley: MARK FINLEY :  Adele  is one of the most remarkable women that I’ve ever met. Let me tell you her story. Pastor Rugelinyange, my host, said to me, “Pastor Mark, I want to take you to a woman who is so remarkable that you will be deeply impressed for the rest of your life with her story.Her husband was a pastor. He was brutally murdered, massacred, macheted to death before her eyes. And the story that she will tell you will change your life.”So we traveled on rough roads over ravines out to a little African village. As I entered  Adele’s  home, I noted the picture of her pastor husband on...

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.    - Ephesians 4:32 Years back, I was duped by someone I knew very well. Though I have forgiven him, anytime I remember him or the incident, I feel somehow bad.  You might be wondering that since I have forgiven that guy, why do I feel bad? Forgiveness does not mean forgetting . It's normal for memories to be triggered in the future. When thoughts of past hurts occur, it's what we do with them that counts. When we find ourselves focusing on a past offense, we can learn to say, "Thank you, God, for this reminder of how important forgiveness is."   Forgiveness starts with a mental decision . The emotional part of forgiveness is finally being able to let go of the resentment. Emotional healing may or may not follow quickly after we forgive. Forgiveness is not an event but a process, some are quick, some are long but whatever it is, please do for...

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.    - Ephesians 4:32 I  still continue on what Forgiveness is and what it's not; Forgiveness does not mean we have to revert to being the victim . Forgiving is not saying, "What you did was okay, so go ahead and walk all over me." Nor is it playing the martyr, enjoying the performance of forgiving people because it perpetuates our victim role.  Forgiveness is not the same as reconciling . We can forgive someone even if we never can get along with him again.  Forgiveness is a process, not an event . It might take some time to work through our emotional problems before we can truly forgive. As soon as we can, we should decide to forgive, but it probably is not going to happen right after a tragic divorce. That's okay.  We have to forgive every time . If we find ourselves constantly forgiving, though, we might need to take a look at the dance w...

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.    - Ephesians 4:32 There are some wrong conceptions about forgiveness. Sometime ago I heard of case where a rapist's family were begging and appealing to the victim family to forgive the rapist and back out from taking him to court. Well, I don't  know if they succumb to the pressure of the rapist folks. One reason we resist forgiving is that we don't really understand what forgiveness is or how it works. We think we do, but we don't.  Most of us assume that if we forgive our offenders, they are let off the hook — scot-free — and get to go about their merry ways while we unfairly suffer from their actions. We also may think that we have to be friendly with them again, or go back to the old relationship. While God commands us to forgive others, he never told us to keep trusting those who violated our trust or even to like being around those who hurt us...

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.    - Ephesians 4:32 There is this man I would call Mike, MIke owes a very rich man (Mr David) a very HUGE amount of money. One day, Mr David call Mike and told him he had wipe out his entire debts. Expectedly Mike was happy and dancing for joy.  Meanwhile there is another man (Pete) that owes Mike a very SMALL amount of money. On getting back home from Mr DAvid's place, Mike went and get the police to arrest poor Pete and put him in jail for failing to pay his debts. Now, from the above story, who do you think was evil, wicked and ungrateful: Pete or MR David  or Mike? Most of us will point out Mike as the wicked one that refuse to cancel Pete's debt after having his own nullified. Truth is we are not different from Mike when we don't forgive our offenders because God is our own Mr David, our offenders are symbolized by Pete. We become ungrateful ...

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.    - Ephesians 4:32 Have you ever noticed that when you don't forgive your offenders, you become choke-up in the inside of you as if you are held bound. But when you forgive, there is that fresh release of peace that you experience.  Forgiveness is for your benefit. When you forgive, you will have peace in your heart. Bitterness kills the peace of God in you. The stress of an  unforgiving Heart are numerous enough to make you lose peace. Forgiveness is not sign that you are weak but rather it's a sign of maturity.  Even when the offender won't come to ask for forgiveness. Take that extra step to forgive him/her. Jesus told His disciples to forgive Four Hundred and Ninety times per day; Of course He knows no one would offend you up to the number of times; Jesus was simply telling His folks to forgive and forgive and forgive. Your forgiveness...