16 COMMANDMENTS OF LOVE

It hasn’t been the smoothest ride trying to keep the 10 commandments, now this “16 commandments” may seem even more burdensome. This is a precise and a concise description of what Love is and what love is not, what Love does and Love does not do. These “commandments” are the commandments of the greatest Commandment and its definitions according to 2 John 6 and 1 Corinthians 13.

1.      Love is Patient and full of Grace and adjusts to each other’s uniqueness that it takes no pleasure in finding faults and flaws.

#PatientLove

2.      Love is kind; so active, gentle and tender yet firm and tough when necessary. It goes way beyond just thoughtfulness but it deliberately engages in the pursuit of the welfare of another.

#KindLove

3.      Love rests so secure, comfortable and content in itself and its relationships so much that the fangs of envy and jealousy are pulled out.

#Loveenvynot

4.      Love reveals itself by its actions, finds it fulfillment and purpose not in the praise and recognition of men, but in the opportunity to serve the needs of others. And so it is always too busy doing good to brag or seek fanfare.

#Loveboastnot

5.      Love is the exact opposite of arrogance, ego, and vain self-confidence, reliant on its own powers, talents and knowledge. Love is humble, gentle and never forceful. Love is so filling that  there is no room for pride.

#Lovepridesnot

6.      Love shows and maintains proper honor and respect due to everybody, regardless of status, age, and pedigree giving no room to act unbecomingly or rude.

#Loveisnotrude

7.      Love is “roleless” without conditions or expectations. Love seeks the welfare of others even at the cost of self-denial and personal sacrifice; it gives no room to be self-seeking.

#Loveisnotselfseeking

8.      Love takes a lot to be provoked and so does not rise to the bait and let anger overcome it.

#Loveisnoteasilyangered

9.      Love is so busy imputing the purest and highest motives to the actions of others. This does not mean being gullible, but it does mean looking for and thinking the best about every person, and so does not “keep inventory” of wrongs, hurts, insults or offenses.

#Lovekeepsnowrongrecords

10.  Love finds no pleasure in sin, either our own or anyone else’s. It refuses to associate itself with wickedness and evil.

#Lovedelightsnotinevil

11.  Love is active rejoicing, which gets personally involved in serving and working for the Truth, the Truth  of God’s Word and so will read, study, discuss, share and teach it.

#Loverejoiceswithtruth

12.  Love is always careful to hide the faults and failings of others, shielding them from the harsh onslaught of life rather than broadcasting them.

#Loveprotects

13.  Love trusts the Lord for and in all things… and have Faith in people; believing in the best of them.

#Lovetrusts

14.  Love is grounded in the accomplished fact and promises of God having seen the bright side of things. Not denial of the reality, but the emphasis of Faith over reality and so do not despair having the confidence and assured expectancy that things will turn out well.

#LoveHopes

15.  Love hangs on to the end when all else fails and never gives up.

#Loveperseveres

16.  Love is so eternal it knows nothing of failing. #Loveneverfails

            A long list you may say, but you’ll be glad as I am to know that if we can get one thing right, we will grasp everything there is to know about Love.

            Modern society offers different options, counsel and advice about Love, but no one understand love the way God does, what the society has successfully done is to pervert it. If we want to understand Love we need to go to the source. To know this Love is to be filled with all the Fullness of God and the best that God has to offer-Ephesians 3:19. We know God because of His Love and we Love Him because He first loved us. 1 John 4:7-16 tells us that God is Love. I wouldn’t say “Love is God” because of what society has painted it to be. But I can confidently say that True Love is of God and if we want to grow, be successful and Live life full throttle then it’s time we ditch what we feel love is and consult the manufacturer.

IDENTITY CRISIS: WHO ARE YOU, REALLY?

1. The Cheat: Gen 32:24-27- this is the account of Jacob's wrestle with God. When asked of his name, he answered "Jacob" it simply means a Trickster or a Cheat. His long and consistent record proved it to be true. And by saying I am "Jacob” he agreed he was a "Trickster". Here's the most amazing thing that I feel happened. God said “Your name shall NO LONGER be called Jacob, but Israel...”   Back up lil bit! I thought he just said "I am a cheat", and that puts him in the position to be punished, and God goes ahead to say "NO LONGER”. INSTANTLY he was "Transformed" from being a Cheat to become God's own Prince. In other words, he was given a New Identity one different from what circumstance and people put him and knew him by. And from that moment on till now, even though he had a scar from the Past, He was one man that was granted instant Transformation and was divinely set up for Greatness by just that encounter.

2. The Prodigal: Luke 15:22-24- this is the account of the Lost Son. If I were to choose a side I probably will be on his brother's side. Because his found brother did not deserve the reception by their father, which he rebelled against. But what did the Father say "Bring QUICKLY the BEST robe...For this MY SON...was lost, and is found" and again, a son who has just wasted his resources, given his family a bad name, now returns and all of a sudden he seems to be the most "Preferred" that's not fair, But it’s Amazing. He INSTANTLY was reinstated to his Son-ship with all Benefits accrued. Even though he lived a wasted Life, which was not enough evidence to know who he really was. The Father still called him "MY SON". If anyone has a problem with that... It’s totally irrelevant!

3. The Thief: Luke 23:39-43- This account is that of the two robbers at the Cross with Jesus. The first thief is whom I call the realist, the critic. And he was being "real". But my focus is on the other guy. It’s really amazing how that a guy who probably never heard about Jesus or who did but ignored Him, received an Eternal pardon. Think about it, this thief from the day he was born, up on till that time must have committed serious crimes. And just at the brink of him getting his well deserved punishment in hell, he INSTANTLY is forgiven of all crimes, by Jesus, saying "...today you will be with me in Paradise." 

When there are Christians who loved God all their Life misses heaven at the brink of time, without Pardon. This Thief was rewarded with a full believer's reward. Just because he believed few seconds to execution.  That's not fair. But it is Amazing! His Life before was not enough evidence to prove who he really is.

4. The “caught-in-the-act’’: John 8:1-11. This is the account of the Woman caught in the very act of adultery, brought before our lord Jesus. Now, for some reason they didn’t stone her to death right away, to feel more justified by their action, brought her before Jesus so they could affirm their self-righteousness and self-right to condemn. But tables turned, instead they left with guilt on their conscience and the one who deserved so much terrible punishment and death received pardon and Life. There is so much I can draw from here, but I’ll keep this writing to context. Jesus didn’t give a heck about her past, He didn’t ask her what other sins she committed and how often she did them… that was why He came. We receive mercy from Him for our past sins and grace to Live the sin free life Heb. 4:16. You see, whatever it is we did before we meet Jesus has no effect after we Meet Jesus. 1 Corinthians 5:17. The law and the somewhat Christians condemned her but she received redemption the Judge of all. She was free to walk on the street again with her head held high and with no one trying to lift a stone at her again.

5. Jesus: Mathew 3:16-17 lastly this account is of Jesus: This "guy" here was ridiculed called a carpenter's son; he was tagged as the one who "grew-up-from-around-here" from the least city and so was accorded little or no respect. He was betrayed by a trusted ally, He was treated like a common criminal, His birth was nothing of a Noble one, He had a rag-tag-bunch of "Misfits" as family generation and He suffered rejection, was misunderstood, misinterpreted and abused. Among all these that happened before, and after this event during His time on earth, were not enough evidence to prove who He really is. He, Jesus, literally got Heaven's endorsement. With God saying "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." And INSTANTLY He began His spiritual journey to Purpose.

In conclusion, a common denominator in all these account is that they all met God. And it’s in Him we know who we are not even the people who are close to us can tell except revealed by God. Not even His Disciples who spent so much time with Him knew him until God revealed it to one.

Secondly, the transformation was INSTANT. The Manifestation of this Instant Transformation may take a Process of time. But the Work is done. We only walk into it, believing. 

It is irrelevant what happened in your Generations Past, what you have even experienced. The question you ought to ask is "Have I met God?" And secondly do you believe the work of the Father, and the Goodness of His Mercy and Grace wherein you now stand.

It is never without Significance or Relevance the Words you have been hearing. It takes only a "Crown" to attract such attention of Counsel and Gospel. Nothing and no one around you except who God sends and what God has commanded can tell you who you really are. That moment you sincerely open your Heart to God, is where Your True Identity is Revealed and Discovered.  Before any man makes you feel Loved and Special, remember God who did, who do, and is still doing more than any man could ever Love you. in the journey to discovering who we are, we must first know that circumstance and people do not define us.

He translates us from what should have, would have, could have, and must have been, into what OUGHT to be. That's the work of Grace. You my dear Friend are making a Difference... Do you believe?

Your Virtue as a Woman makes you Priceless and your faith in God makes you a man after God’s own Heart.

I Celebrate and Praise You.

Stepping on my own Toes

Driving home from dropping off my siblings at School i pondered... What kind of a Christian am i? the Christian that "knows" or the kind that "Understands" Kingdom principles, the kind of Christian that "Hears' or the kind that "do" the word, the kind of Christian that compromises on the excuse of grace or the kind that understands that Grace gives us the power to say "No" to Sin, the kind of Christian who sees the Bible as a Sunday story book or the kind that sees it as a daily bread , the kind of Christian who easily complies with public opinion and argue the Bible or the kind that sees Bible as the Ultimate Authority., the kind of  Car and door  Sticker-Christian or the  result Oriented and  Fruit-bearing kind, the kind of who sees  Celebrities as their Role Model  or the kind that sees Jesus amidst all, the kind that compromises on godly living or the uncompromisingly righteous Christian.  The “everybody is doing it” or “I am the light…” kind of Christian. These are not standards for Christian Living but among other things. We are admonished to be Exemplary believers among others.  1Timothy 4:11-12 MSG.  “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.’’

Is it wrong to ask for God's Presence

I got the same feeling as you might be having right now as I was asked this question. But as believers we are limited by our level of understanding of scriptures. So much so that Paul prayed for the Ephesians for this reason "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened..." Ephesians 1:17-18. Here was my reply to the question.
 
Psalms 24:1 reveals the Earth as the Lord's and everything in it. And it is seen in Joel 2:28 speaking about the outpouring of His spirit on all Flesh. God's Presence is therefore manifest in all the Earth, in the works of His Creation all around and within us. We know this further because we understand that He is "Omnipresent".  You do not give an invitation to someone whose house you already are. If the Host is not home waiting for you then you could say he is a terrible Host. "...I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found..." Isaiah 45:19(NLT) God does not play “hide and seek” games and most definitely, God is not an Absentee Host.  For in him we live and move and exist... ‘We are his offspring.’ Acts 17:28. How possibly could He miss us, He who’s Presence we already stood? It was C.S Lewis who said ''we may ignore, but we can nowhere evade the presence of God, the world is crowded with him. He walks everywhere incognito"

               Remember we serve a good God. Ever reliable, forever dependable and eternally faithful. In Exodus 33:14. God offered His Presence to Moses. Now take note of the circumstances that led to that meeting. They sort of consecrated themselves to meet the Lord including Moses, and God was in that Tenth waiting for him. The Moment Moses entered they both started a Friendly conversation. Notice, also Moses didn't have to summon or ask for God's Presence, God already marked Present. Moses had Favor in His sight. But that's the very Position God has put us today. Hebrews 4:16 "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most". We boldly come… not to ask for His Presence, because that’s where we've always been. We have a Promise never to be Left alone Hebrews 13:5b.   
               Though we are before God and His Spirit is poured in us and the proof of His existence manifested in Creation. For us to access a deeper Fellowship with Him Psalms 100 lays it down emphatically the "Protocol" to His Presence. God He is present and always present. We come to Him. How could I be standing right before my dad, and then start praying for him to be there, its sounds ridiculous. As God's own people we necessarily do not pray for His Presence, we Celebrate and acknowledge His Presence in our meetings and in our Lives. In verse 2 of Psalms 100 "...come before His presence with singing"
The very first criterion to enjoy a conscious and consistent Fellowship with God is that of Service with Gladness of our Heart. Secondly you must know who God is and who you are to Him, that's your source of Worship. Thirdly, approaching him even closer, you must pass His Gates with a Heart of Thanksgiving, and finally burst forth His Courts where you meet Him in Person, with Praises on your Lips. Once you are there Bless His name. His name because you Know Him well enough. It takes a level of intimacy to enjoy such a place of fellowship with God.
               So is it now wrong to ask for God's presence? I am sure you have an answer in your Heart. Celebrating and Thanking Him for His ever abiding Presence is what we should always do. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there." Mathew 18:20. When the purpose of your gathering is of Him, His Presence is not a Bluff.

You haven't seen anything like this... Ever!

It was such a mind-blowing, jaw-dropping, box-breaking, Heart-warming and Life-changing moment as I witnessed the most Phenomenal Moment in History, just few hours ago. The Congregation was thrown into celebration for this one-of-a-kind, Never-seen-before act of Love and unspeakable Kindness on Display.
This was the 12th and last day of "12 Days of Glory". An annual conference heavenly inspired and organised by the Commonwealth Of Zion Assembly- COZA. Starting from the 2nd through 13th of January. Attended were World-class Ministers of the Gospel; Bishop Thomas A. Bishop Felix Adejumo, Bishop Noel Jones, Michelle M. Hammond, Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo, Dr. Mike Murdock and others who preached with well Seasoned Words of Grace. It was a Life transforming moment.
Dr. Mike Murdock crowning up the meeting did the Exceptional of what happens to be a Most Memorable day for COZA and will hit the Air-ways soon. He was in fact eager to do it as he couldn't wait, till after the message. I am filled with amazement and gratitude. This 68 year old Billionaire, prominent and Adept Preacher released a Million-dollar Gift to the Senior Pastor of COZA. According to him, had initially asked if he wants it and he couldn't accept, but came on publicly to offer it to the Pastor's wife, which she gladly accepted. The Gift of a Rolls-Royce was just the news that threw the Church into Shouts of Celebration and moved the Pastor and his wife to tears. Now when a Guest speaker decides to honor the Host in such a manner, it is worth the Wonder and amazement. As the reverse should have been the case. As we speak the Car is on its way to Nigeria and Grace the Pastor's Car Park. Wow! Now here is the most emotional moment for me. Dr. Mike made a Life-long commitment to the Pastor's Kids. Four of them in number. I just couldn't hold my tears anymore as he knelt down on this hard floor for what took about 20 minutes to verbally commit; including them in his Will and to be a second Father to them for as Long as he Lives. Wow! It was Church unusual. Afterwards he led the Church to Bless the Pastor. This surely is a "net-breaking and boat-sinking" testimony. Driving home I was marvelled, I still shout at intervals. This must be an act of God's Favor.