Who's Speaking at the Palace for You?

I recently had the opportunity of speaking on behalf of an employee of a company I consult for , who was at the verge of being sacked. Unknown to him, his termination was being discussed. He apparently had his many strengths,but unfortunately he also had a weakness which was becoming increasingly unacceptable. It was almost concluded; he was to be sacked! However I was able to put forward a case for him and gratefully, it was accepted.

As  I drove home that night, I meditated on that incident and wondered what would have happened if there was no one speaking and appealing on behalf of the employee in question. And instantly, my mind flashed back to Vashti in the Bible. Remember Vashti? She was a Queen; the first wife of Ahaserus , the king  of  the Persian Kingdom  who later took Esther as Queen after Vashti was deposed.(Read Esther chapter 1).

What was Vashti’s offence, why was she deposed?  The king had been feasting and when his heart was merry with wine, he felt it was time to show off his beautiful Queen but for some reason known to her, she decided not to come out. Yes it must have been a huge offence but below is what broke the camel’s back in her case.

16And Memucan answered before the king and the princes: “Queen Vashti has not only wronged the king, but also all the princes, and all the people who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus.

19If it pleases the king, let a royal decree go out from him, and let it be recorded in the laws of the Persians and the Medes, so that it will not be altered, that Vashti shall come no more before King Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal position to another who is better than she( Esther 1:16, 19)

Imagine if there was someone who pleaded to the King on behalf of Vashti. She probably would not have been deposed. If there was someone who would remind the king about her good works in time past, she probably would not have been sent away. However, the only one who could have spoken for her, was speaking against her.

In life, at strategic locations and places; we need people who would speak in our favour and recommend us. Let’s not forget that David was recommended before Saul at the palace. As time went on, Jonathan his friend must have spoken well of him at the palace too. Joseph had someone speaking for him at the palace and that was why Pharaoh quickly sent for him. Daniel and his friends, one way or the other were mentioned before the king. Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson was mentioned before King David and forever, his life never remained the same.

God is the Master Connector; He places people in our lives who would speak something positive about us to the boss, at the interview panel, in church and wherever. May we not miss these destiny helpers. May our helpers not be helpless or absent where and when they should be speaking for us. Vashti vanished into obscurity, because no one was speaking up for her. But didn't she have children? how  come we never heard anything whatsoever about her or her posterity? Whenever you have the opportunity, please speak up for someone who needs it. You may be preserving an entire generation! Speak for the oppressed, the afflicted, the orphans, the destitute, the needy. Sometimes speaking for them entails giving to them!

Above all, it is comforting to know that Jesus is forever speaking for us at the palace of the Almighty King! The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us! Romans 8:35( Message version)

Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour yet? If you don’t, then say the prayers Here.

Picture Credit: Google Images

Don't Jettison the Lessons of your Seasons!

Dearly Esteemed Readers!

How have you all being? I apologize I haven’t been here in a while, it just occurred that I didn't even write any article for the month of March. So much to do, work wise but I kept noting the inspirations I got and I would be publishing them in the next few days/weeks.

Permit me to quickly share with you an inspiration I got whilst praying a couple of days ago. I was having a conversation in my mind about how I have fared in my walk with God. You see, I have been born again for about nineteen years (19) and I have had a lot of ups and downs in my Christian race. One of those worth mentioning is when my dad asked me to leave the house if being born again was the route I was going to take (what you would call persecution). I remember also when I had the opportunity of leading a fellowship of both students and indigenes back in University. Hmmmn….. I have had moments of great zeal such as going for night vigils about  3 times in a week; beautiful moments of service to God in different departments, rural outreaches and all sorts. I am glad I am still very born again; I have grown over the years in my walk with God and I have enjoyed deeper levels with God.

So as I was reminiscing in prayers about where I started from in my Christian sojourn; remembering the challenges, the good times and the not too pleasant ones, it occurred to me, there are 4 stages of a man's experience in his work with the Lord and in his sojourn as a Christian.

ON EAGLES WINGS

The first (1st) season is when the Lord bares us on Eagle's wings.This season of Life is when we have just come to know the Lord. It’s a beautiful discovery that Christ loved us so much that He gave His life for us. As we work with the Lord, we experience a satisfaction that comes from knowing Him and His zeal consumes us so much. Things might be tough around us but we don’t even notice, all we want is just that inexplicable fellowship with the lover of our souls. For some people, before they make a prayer request, the answer drops right in front of us. The Lord does the SOARING; we just cruise on His altitude. We fly so high, achieve so much and many times, it’s as if we are doing these things by our own power. Little do we realize God is the one flying, doing all the work. This we often experience many times at the beginning of our Christian sojourn. The Israelites experienced this season just as they came out of Egypt. They had been delivered from years of bondage and had just experienced a real life drowning of their enemies in the Red sea as it paved way for them to cross over. I doubt if any movie producer can depict that act in any way close to the way it happened.

“Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: ⁴ ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. (Exodus 19:3b-4)

CARRIED IN HIS ARMS

The second (2nd) season is when He starts to WALK and He carries us. This time around, movement may be a little slower but He's still the one doing the walking. We are safely tucked in His loving arms. At this stage, we do not necessarily realize the drop in the speed of movement and little do we realize there are trials and temptations; because we just breeze through them in His arms. He does the navigation and the making straight of the paths.

He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young. (Isaiah 40:11)

Even to your old age, I am He and even to gray hairs I will carry you!
I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.(Isaiah 46:4)

WALKING THROUGH IT ALL

The third (3) season is when He put us down, for us to WALK by ourselves, BUT He walks with us. This is the season of …”when I walk -through the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4), “when I walk through the fire and the waters”.....These are times when it looks like God isn't with us and life's circumstances become too heavy to bear. He guides us but we do the navigation by ourselves. Sometimes we miss it and have to come back but He never leaves us. These are the most difficult times. At this stage of our walk with God is when godly character is built in us. Many a times, we linger too much because we do not learn the lessons we are meant to learn. Imagine the Israelites staying in the wilderness for 40 years and almost all of them perishing there.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.( Isaiah 43:2)

MOUNT WITH WINGS

The last season which is the fourth (4th) is the stage of "those that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength and MOUNT UP with wings as Eagles" .....After walking and learning to "wait" on Him, He qualifies us to be able to soar by ourselves. Remember we started out with Him by soaring: but He was the one doing the soaring with us on His wings. This time around we soar, and soar, our arms strengthened; we can look into challenges in the eye and remain unshaken”. At this stage, just like any other stage, He is still with us, because "underneath are His everlasting arms"

The eternal God is your refuge,

And underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, And will say, ‘Destroy!’( Deuteronomy 33:27).

When it looks like we are going to fall, His arms are right under to pick us. We have mastered the art of walking, we have known what it means to abound and abase and there's nothing that can shake us any longer. And at this stage, we can pour out ourselves to be a blessing to many around us.

But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.( Isaiah 40:31).

Friend, have you been able to identify what season of life you are? No matter how tough things are, I can assure you God loves you much and He will never let go of you. Do not jettison the lessons of each season!Don't give up your walk with God because of your present challenges or whatever you may be going through. It's a process, a tunnel and soon you will burst into light and limelight. Ever imagined what Joseph went through those 13 years interval between his dream and when he became Egypt's Prime Minister?

The lessons of life become your trophies, don't throw them away!

You will have a safe landing!

 Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour yet? If you don’t, then say the prayers Here.

The Pen...

Picture Image: Google Images

You are Special.....Especially You!

I know!

Yes I know it's been a while I published a post but I'm back and it feels good. I have been quite inundated with a couple of projects here and there and I am so excited to be able to sit and blog today. I miss writing and I miss the regular feedback I get from readers. A big thank you to those who are my fans and those who have kept checking back and again for a new post.

So I came across a beautiful write up by Max Lucado's and it so blessed me. I thought to share it with you too.

You Are Special by Max Lucado

 The Wemmicks were small wooden people. Each of the wooden people was carved by a woodworker named Eli. His workshop sat on a hill overlooking their village. Every Wemmick was different. Some had big noses, others had large eyes. Some were tall and others were short. Some wore hats, others wore coats. But all were made by the same carver and all lived in the village. And all day, every day, the Wemmicks did the same thing: They gave each other stickers. Each Wemmick had a box of golden star stickers and a box of gray dot stickers. Up and down the streets all over the city, people could be seen sticking stars or dots on one another. The pretty ones, those with smooth wood and fine paint, always got stars. But if the wood was rough or the paint chipped, the Wemmicks gave dots. The talented ones got stars, too. Some could lift big sticks high above their heads or jump over tall boxes. Still others knew big words or could sing very pretty songs. Everyone gave them stars.

Some Wemmicks had stars all over them! Every time they got a star it made them feel so good that they did something else and got another star. Others, though, could do little. They got dots.

Punchinello was one of these. He tried to jump high like the others, but he always fell. And when he fell, the others would gather around and give him dots.

Sometimes when he fell, it would scar his wood, so the people would give him more dots. He would try to explain why he fell and say something silly, and the Wemmicks would give him more dots. After a while he had so many dots that he didn't want to go outside. He was afraid he would do something dumb such as forget his hat or step in the water, and then people would give him another dot. In fact, he had so many gray dots that some people would come up and give him one without reason. "He deserves lots of dots," the wooden people would agree with one another. "He's not a good wooden person."

After a while Punchinello believed them. "I'm not a good Wemmick," he would say. The few times he went outside, he hung around other Wemmicks who had a lot of dots. He felt better around them. One day he met a Wemmick who was unlike any he'd ever met. She had no dots or stars. She was just wooden. Her name was Lucia. It wasn't that people didn't try to give her stickers; it's just that the stickers didn't stick. Some admired Lucia for having no dots, so they would run up and give her a star. But it would fall off. Some would look down on her for having no stars, so they would give her a dot. But it wouldn't stay either. “That's the way I want to be,” thought Punchinello. “I don't want anyone's marks.” So he asked the stickerless Wemmick how she did it.

"It's easy," Lucia replied. "Every day I go see Eli."

"Eli?"

"Yes, Eli. The woodcarver. I sit in the workshop with him."

"Why?"

"Why don't you find out for yourself? Go up the hill. He's there."

And with that the Wemmick with no marks turned and skipped away. "But he won't want to see me!" Punchinello cried out. Lucia didn't hear. So Punchinello went home. He sat near a window and watched the wooden people as they scurried around giving each other stars and dots. "It's not right," he muttered to himself. And he resolved to go see Eli. He walked up the narrow path to the top of the hill and stepped into the big shop. His wooden eyes widened at the size of everything. The stool was as tall as he was. He had to stretch on his tiptoes to see the top of the workbench. A hammer was as long as his arm. Punchinello swallowed hard. "I'm not staying here!" and he turned to leave. Then he heard his name.

"Punchinello?" The voice was deep and strong. Punchinello stopped. "Punchinello! How good to see you. Come and let me have a look at you."

Punchinello turned slowly and looked at the large bearded craftsman. "You know my name?" the little Wemmick asked.

"Of course I do. I made you." Eli stooped down and picked him up and set him on the bench. "Hmm," the maker spoke thoughtfully as he inspected the gray circles. "Looks like you've been given some bad marks."

"I didn't mean to, Eli. I really tried hard."

"Oh, you don't have to defend yourself to me, child. I don't care what the other Wemmicks think."

"You don't?"

“No, and you shouldn't either. Who are they to give stars or dots? They're Wemmicks just like you. What they think doesn't matter, Punchinello. All that matters is what I think. And I think you are pretty special."

Punchinello laughed. "Me, special? Why? I can't walk fast. I can't jump. My paint is peeling. Why do I matter to you?"

Eli looked at Punchinello, put his hands on those small wooden shoulders, and spoke very slowly. "Because you're mine. That's why you matter to me."

Punchinello had never had anyone look at him like this - much less his maker. He didn't know what to say.

"Every day I've been hoping you'd come," Eli explained.

"I came because I met someone who had no marks."

"I know. She told me about you."

"Why don't the stickers stay on her?"

"Because she has decided that what I think is more important than what they think. The stickers only stick if you let them."

"What?"

"The stickers only stick if they matter to you. The more you trust my love, the less you care about the stickers."

"I'm not sure I understand."

"You will, but it will take time. You've got a lot of marks. For now, just come to see me every day and let me remind you how much I care." Eli lifted Punchinello off the bench and set him on the ground. "Remember," Eli said as the Wemmick walked out the door. "You are special because I made you. And I don't make mistakes."

Punchinello didn't stop, but in his heart he thought, "I think he really means it." And when he did, a dot fell to the ground.

May all your dots fall silently to the ground, for if given by man, they matter only to other men. When given the choice, pass out stars, drop the dots in the trash.

  

Hope this has brightened your day and  made you smile...

The Pen...

Photo credit: Google images

Something to Glean from The Queen- Sheba

Here’s wishing everyone a happy New Year!

Thank God we are here. Wow! In spite of all, we made it through. And we have been given the opportunity of managing about 365 days no one has ever lived in. Hand in hand with God, we can call the shots, navigate our paths through any tumultuous storms, achieve our goals and live our best lives so far! I can assure you that 2014 promises to be a very great year and our best ever.

I am aware that every New Year, almost all churches; if not all, declare a motto or tenet  for that year. In my church, 2014 has been declared our year of supernatural Upgrade, I kid you not, I am enjoying the upgrade already. For some other churches, It's a year of Overflow, Year of Harvest, Year of Exceeding grace, Year of laughter and all. The truth is the womb of every year is loaded with many benefits and thank God we have directions in church on what God is set to do, But doing a quick introspection and looking back at last year, let’s ask ourselves - were we able to truly walk out and experience whatever the year was declared as the tenet? As we joyfully anticipate great things happening in 2014, please let us prepare ourselves, deliberately work towards achieving our goals and in partnership with God, we will succeed.

I love to do a study of characters in the Bible. I believe that for everyone mentioned in the word of God, there is a purpose. For every incident or story, there is something to learn. A lot of people existed around the times of these recorded people but were not mentioned. So if these were mentioned, there’s something we can glean from them.

Each time I read the story of Solomon in the bible, it amazes me the extent to which a man can be loved, blessed and endowed  by God . This post is not about Solomon but in studying his life, I came across one of the characters he had dealing with and I was able to quickly identify some amazing things about this woman named the Queen of Sheba. She was one of the ancient monarchs that existed around the time of Solomon. I identified about seven (7) principles which can be applied in our modern day business, career and personal lives.

1Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions. 2She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels that bore spices, very much gold, and precious stones; and when she came to Solomon, she spoke with him about all that was in her heart. 3So Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing so difficult for the king that he could not explain it to her. 

4And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, 5the food on his table, the seating of his servants, the service of his waiters and their apparel, his cupbearers, and his entryway by which he went up to the house of the Lord, there was no more spirit in her. ( Ist Kings 10)

1.   Exposure.

She had enough exposure herself, being a rich monarch, but she was willing to be more exposed. She heard about the fame of Solomon the blessed of the Lord and she was more than pleased to leave her land to come see what his fame was all about. This year, go out of your usual way of doing things. Seek to acquire knowledge in your chosen field, travel if you have to. Feed your mind , feed your eyes with things that will inspire you.

2. Eagerness to learn.

Verse 2 of the scripture quoted above shows that she just didn't come to see, she was willing to learn, this was a lifetime opportunity for her. At that time, many would have loved to see Solomon the wisest king of all times and here she was, she asked questions and Solomon answered all of them, even the hardest. Many of us have the opportunity to mingle with highly successful but most times, we are carried away by the fancy and paparazzi, a few people actually tap into the opportunity of learning from great men. Some are envious, so they can’t even ask. It doesn't matter what you have achieved in life; just keep learning and seek to acquire knowledge.Enquire, Seek to be educated...

6Then she said to the king: “It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. 7However I did not believe the words until I came and saw with my own eyes; and indeed the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame of which I heard. 

3. Eagle-eyed.

She came and within a short period, she was able to observe almost everything happening in Solomon’s kingdom. She was discussing with the king but at the same time, she was observing everything: The house that he had built, the food on his table, the seating of his servants, the service of his waiters and their apparel and the appearance of  his cup bearers. I am certain she went back to replicate those things in her own kingdom. When you see things that are beautiful, well run, well organized or maybe someone who does things excellently, what’s your reaction? Do you glean from it, do you have mental souvenirs from those experiences, do you see things you can take back home with yourself, and probably things you can do better? Be eagle- eyed. Nature teaches us the beautiful works of our God and we can learn from those who have beautifully applied what God has endowed them with.

4. Endorse  others.

When you see something great in the lives of those around you, endorse, appreciate and acknowledge them. By doing so, your gifting will multiply, you will draw grace and wisdom as well. The Queen of Sheba told Solomon that even though she had heard of his greatness, what she had seen with her eyes surpassed what she had been told. They were supposed to be contemporaries but she was not intimidated, she acknowledged every good things she saw!

However I did not believe the words until I came and saw with my own eyes; and indeed the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame of which I heard. 8Happy are your men and happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom! 9Blessed be the Lord your God, who delighted in you, setting you on the throne of Israel! Because the Lord has loved Israel forever, therefore He made you king, to do justice and righteousness (1^st Kings 10: 7-9)

5. Exchange.

Oh how I love the wisdom of this woman. She was going to go visit the wisest, richest and most endowed king of her time, what gifts would she have gone with that he wouldn't have. But the bible records that she came with so much as  gifts to the king.  Let’s see what she gave. Then she gave the king one hundred and twenty talents of gold, spices in great quantity, and precious stones. There never again came such abundance of spices as the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon. 11Also, the ships of Hiram, which brought gold from Ophir, brought great quantities of almug wood and precious stones from Ophir. 12And the king made steps of the almug wood for the house of the Lord and for the king’s house, also harps and stringed instruments for singers. There never again came such almug wood, nor has the like been seen to this day. (1^st Kings 10: 10-12)

Wow wow! What a strong and wise woman she was!  In return, the bible records that she got all she desired from the King. She was noted to be generous and there was nothing she asked the king for that she didn't get. Abraham entertained strangers and that was the encounter that necessitated the birth of Isaac. Givers will always be rewarded. Make this year your best year ever in terms of giving. Give to those who don’t have, as a blessing. Give to those who have, tou will be blessed as well.

6. Ebullient.

To be ebullient means to be overflowing with fervor, enthusiasm or excitement. This woman came to the presence of the King enthusiastic. She looked forward to the trip, planned for it and yours truly; she got more than she bargained for. Some encounters never leave you the same. She saw so much that there was no spirit left with her, of course her spirit revived and she went back home more blessed. Proverbs 22: 29, the bible says a man’s gift will make him stand before kings. I’ll say a good disposition will make him heartily welcomed by the king. Remember David’s encounter before Saul ? The bible records that He was ruddy, and of a good countenance and goodly to look unto (1^st Sam 16: 12). Have the best disposition ever this New Year! Full of joy and radiant, the Queen wasn't’t haughty when she came to see Solomon, in spite of her wealth, she was really eager to make good use of that opportunity and the king warmed up to her.

7.  Enjoy.

She came around to Jerusalem with her retinue and had audience with the king, she observed everything going around. She enjoyed herself! I’ll say give yourself a treat in 2014. Eat, Pray, Love, like that movie title says. Be hard working and compensate yourself. Enjoy and appreciate whatever you have, no matter how little it is. Enjoy your family, friendships, finance, career and everything God has blessed you with.

In conclusion, if these people we have been talking about, operated in such a great wealth and prosperity in the Old Testament, how much more we, that Christ died for and has brought to the Father as His Sons and Daughters. Our success should by every means surpass what they have achieved. Matthew 6 says Solomon with all his wealth, is not as beautiful as the lilies of the fields and we are of more importance to God than they are.  We have the opportunity to feast and dine with our own King; The King of kings and Lord of lords un-endlessly. His wealth is ours, He is our father! You and I, in Partnership with our Lord are destined for unimaginable, unspeakable, never-attained heights in 2014!

Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour yet? If you don’t, then say the prayers Here.

You definitely will succeed!

The Pen….

Picture Image: Depositphotos

The Scenery Behind the Scenes

Hello Friends!

This is definitely going to be my last post for year 2013. Since I started this blog in February of this year , I have been so overwhelmed by the amount of response and feedback I have received. They have kept me going on and I am particularly grateful to God; my never ending source of inspiration; He indeed has made my heart and mouth like the pen of a ready writer. I say a big thank you for everyone who has read and shared my posts. I appreciate you greatly.

Have you ever watched movies that keep you on the edge of your seat and make you very apprehensive?  I used to freak out whenever I watched thrillers. I won't forget easily my experience watching the action series; 24. I got so engrossed and caught up in it that I would always have palpitations whenever I saw it. Anyway, not until I started to watch the Behind the scene productions of movies did I realize that I needed not to have allowed my adrenaline rise for anything. The goriest , suspense filled part of the movies were all being acted out and when it seems as though there was an actor threading on a dangerous ground all alone,, there were scores of other people behind the cameras that we would not see# phew! Ever since that dawned on me, I never allowed movies to get me agitated. 

For someone who’s gone through so much this year, this is for you. For that person who seems to wonder what the essence of life as a result of debilitating circumstances, this is for you. Whoever is wondering why prophecies are not manifesting should read this. For that other person who’s doing introspection on how the upcoming year should be a better one and the best so far, you might want to read this to know what stance you need to take.

Friend, the trials you are facing in life is not new under the sun. Sometimes, when you are faced with a battalion of unfavourable circumstances, it is easy to think that no one could ever have had things so bad in life as you are but the bible; in 1^st Cor 10: 13 tells us that “No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.(Message Version). Be it as it may, there are the behind-the-scenes events  for everyone's life and every individual decides who calls the shots or whose shots He will obey. Without exalting the devil in anyway, we must realize he is doing all he can to gain control of the "production" of every life; whether Christian or not.

That there is war in your life is not new to God, as at some point there was war in heaven; God's own territory. Against even his creator, Satan waged war.

 It would surprise you that the enemy we are contending with does not care or respect anyone. He is always on the offensive and wherever you find opposition, contention, and any evil machination, the devil is there. Chaos is his trademark and that is what has been his primary occupation from way back.

And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Revelation 12:7, 9 NKJV)


When pride was found in the devil, he needed to be ejected but he never wanted to leave.  Heaven is God’s residence, yet the devil; after he rebelled wanted to continue to remain there. If you don't resist the devil, he would want to continue to illegally possess what is yours. If he fought God concerning heaven, why won't he fight you?  Ephesians 4: 27 says “Give no place to the devil”! Don’t give him a foothold in your life. If you hold on to your faith and the victory that Christ has secured on the cross of Calvary, the devil knows you will win and so therefore will fight you to a hilt with every drop of his blood (if he has any).

As the year runs to an end, it’s a good time to take stock and re-strategize for the upcoming year. One thing I’ll like to remind us about is the fact that life is a battlefield; a battlefield with predictable and mostly unpredictable circumstances. You sometimes never know where the next shot is going to come from but you just have to always be on your toes. In a battlefield, actions and inactions are deliberate and every step must be well calculated. You won’t find anyone strolling casually and whoever does, does that at his peril. To succeed in life, we must have a soldier’s mentality and a battle-mind. An article I read which relates to preparing soldiers for war describes a battle mind as “a Soldier’s inner strength to face fear and adversity during combat, with courage.  It is the will to persevere and win.  It is resilience”. According to the same article, a soldier must-

·         Meet challenges head on.

·         Maintain his mental toughness.

·         Take calculated risks. 

·         Be self-confident.

·         Maintain positive thinking during times of adversity and challenge

Now to the good news!

In Christ, you are an overcomer. Revelations 12 in verse 11 says - And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Whatever it is you are contending for in life, Believe that God has done it already. You have been bought with a price and you are to glorify God in your spirit and body, which are God’s. Anything challenging your existence is not as potent at that precious blood shed on the cross and so therefore has to bow; if you won’t bow to it. Whatever package you desire from God has been totally paid for. Isaiah 53: 3-6 says He bore our reproach, our sicknesses, and disfigurements. Your warfare against sickness, poverty, failure, lack is already accomplished. John 19:30. (So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.)

As Christians, we fight from victory and not for victory. Any truth of the word you accept will face test and trials. It will stand the test of time. Just hold on to it. Stand your ground.There's nothing God has given or will give you that the enemy won't contend with you for. Hold your faith and a good conscience. ... You overcome by the word of your testimonies and the blood of the lamb.

See you in 2014 and remember, you decide who calls the shots!

Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour yet? If you don’t, then say the prayers Here.

The Pen.....