The Book of Ruth

The Book of Ruth

The study of the book of Ruth will be sectioned into four parts in a question and answer format. Be blessed.

What is the trouble in your home?

The story of the Book of Ruth begins in the country of Moab near the Dead Sea. It takes place during the period of Judges at a time of great failure and struggle for the people of Israel. A horrible drought forced a woman named Naomi and her husband to leave Moab for Jerusalem. When they arrive Naomi’s husband dies. Her two sons both marry. One of her daughters-in-law is a young woman named Ruth. Soon after they marry, both of Naomi’s sons die.

Are you getting the picture? Naomi is left alone but Ruth stays with her and they travel together to Jerusalem. Ruth eventually remarries to a wealthy landowner named Boaz. They have children and their family provides ultimately to the lineage of Christ!

First, as we compare our stories of distress in our own homes, we can learn from Ruth the importance of being bold and courageous. After her husband died and she didn’t know what to do she found courage in the Lord to boldly pursue what she felt was right in the sight of the Lord!

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Have you felt a day in your home with no hope?

As Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem from Moab, they had little to smile about. They were both widowed, poor, and with little hope. They clinched to the law of the land that allowed people such as they were to rummage through the left overs at the edge of the fields after a harvest. It’s important to read Chapter 2 of Ruth in one sitting because it represents one day’s work for both Naomi and Ruth. They woke up early facing a long hard day collecting scraps from the field only to return at sunset with an abundance of food and new hope from a new friend.

We have each faced days like those haven’t we? Waking up with little hope then reflecting back later that night of God’s provision and favor. Sometimes great favor. Sometimes small. But always present. Remember that the Lord’s favor is planned; it comes through others; and provides for the future.

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Have you ever felt a plan changed by God in your home?

The third chapter of the Book of Ruth starts with Naomi having a plan and pursuing bold moves to see it happen. The plan was to find a husband and home for Ruth.

Boaz was an obvious choice because he had already noticed Ruth and showed her favor in the fields. Naomi discussed the plan with Ruth in great detail and Ruth followed it with great precision. Boaz is identified as a “kinsman redeemer.” This was a close relative of a family who was trapped in difficult circumstances. By marrying Ruth, Boaz could provide an heir to inherit the land of Naomi’s deceased husband.

Naomi is showing us how faith works along side of logic and circumstances. When our circumstances line up against God’s word then we can be bold in stepping out in faith.

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Who is the kinsman redeemer in your home?

Boaz appreciates the logic and faith of Naomi’s plan but insists that she meet first with another man that he considers a better choice. Chapter 4 begins with Naomi meeting with this man but he quickly rejects the opportunity. That man was hesitant and unwilling. Boaz was willing and stepped forward unselfishly in faith.

Ruth makes it clear that patience is a virtue worth cultivating. When her mother-in-law tells her to wait for Boaz to act, Ruth wisely waits.

Reflections»

*Reflect on a recent plan in your home that didn’t happen and you felt confused by God’s timing.

*Reflect over that someone in your life that reflects Christ in your life. That someone that Christ works in and through to give you his eternal hope. Thank God for that person.

*Reflect on perhaps one thing that concerns you most about your home right now. Take it to The Lord in prayers. Lay it all at His feet. Ask Him for guidance concerning that issue. Trust Him to handle your case.

It is well

Ref: AbideTeam

Don't Cast Your Pearls To Pigs

Stop selling yourself cheap. You have been bought at a price, a high price. There's something called 'gbanjo' in Yoruba. This is when you sell your goods short of the price they are worth. You are desperate to get them off your stock even if you are running at a loss. You are focused on the fact that you are in dire need of something, most likely money. When you act desperate to get someone who doesn't value you to marry you, get affection at any cost or get help anyway possible, you are carrying a bell, signalling people to come buy you at whatever ridiculous price they can afford.

Have you really wondered why some people treat their spouses as if they were worth less than thrash? As much as every case is not the same, the reason for this in some cases is how these spouses handed themselves over. Someone else will not treat you better than you treat yourself. You must be your own number one fan. God has placed a great value on you. Don't dangle your precious self before the worthless dog-natured people of this world.

If that guy does not know how to treat you well, maybe you had better take to your heels. If that lady does nothing more than rubbish you before her friends, there is fire on the mountain. Anyone who makes you feel less than what you are is a disease-carrying breed. With that kind of person, you will need extra doses of self-encouragement. And I bet it with you, with time, you begin thinking that you are less than what you thought you are.

Don't give out your priceless virtue for an appointment letter, a plate of fried rice and chicken, or less. Even to your so-called fiance who has promised you marriage. Don't give your virginity to someone who places no value on you. Anyone who wants to take you to bed without marrying you first does not value you. Don't fall for the sweet talk. I can bet it with you, you will be at a loss in the end. Once he gets what he wants, he losses any iota of respect he had for you before. You loose your dignity. You become one of his games, a conquered prey.

Guard your precious jewels jealously. Lock it away from the reach of ravenous wolves in sheep clothing. Don't be deceived into letting it go for ANY reason.

Matthew 7:6 says Do not give that which is holy (the sacred thing) to the dogs, and do not throw your pearls before hogs, lest they trample upon them with their feet and turn and tear you in pieces.

I pray for inner strength for you today, to hold on to your God-given treasures without letting go in Jesus' name.

~OMOSEBI Mary Omolola

SNORING

This is going to be a very long one. Snoring has ruined and still is many marriages. Snoring is one issue that I've heard being referred to several times when it comes to marriage. Take your time to read through. It might be of help to you or someone you know!

Snoring is the vibration of respiratory structures and the resulting sound, due to obstructed air movement during breathing while sleeping. In some cases the sound may be soft, but in other cases, it can be loud and unpleasant. Snoring during sleep may be a sign, or first alarm, of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Researchers say that snoring is a factor of sleep deprivation. affect anyone, although it occurs more frequently in men and people who are overweight. Snoring has a tendency to worsen with age.

Occasional snoring is usually not very serious and is mostly a nuisance for your bed partner. However, if you are a habitual snorer, you not only disrupt the sleep patterns of those close to you, but you also impair your own sleep quality. Medical assistance is often needed for habitual snorers (and their loved ones) to get a good night's sleep.

Just about everyone snores occasionally, but if snoring happens frequently it can affect the quantity and quality of your sleep and that of your family members and roommates. Snoring can lead to poor sleep and daytime fatigue, irritability, and increased health problems. If your snoring keeps your partner awake, it can also create major relationship problems. Thankfully, you don't have to create distance between your spouse and yourself by sleeping in separate bedrooms because of snoring. There are many effective solutions available.

Causes of Snoring
Not all snoring is the same. In fact, everyone snores for different reasons. When you get to the bottom of why you snore, then you can find the right solutions to a quieter, deeper sleep.

People who snore often have too much throat and nasal tissue, or “floppy” tissue that is more prone to vibrate. The position of your tongue can also get in the way of smooth breathing. Evaluating how and when you snore will help you pinpoint whether the cause of your snoring is within your control or not. The good news is that no matter how and when you snore, there are solutions to making your snoring better.

Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is physically obstructed. Air flow can be obstructed by a combination of factors, including:

1. Obstructed nasal airways: Some people snore only during allergy seasons or when they have a sinus infection. Deformities of the nose such as a deviated septum (a structural change in the wall that separates one nostril from the other) or nasal polyps can also cause obstruction.
2. Poor muscle tone in the throat and tongue: Throat and tongue muscles can be too relaxed, which allows them to collapse and fall back into the airway. This can result from deep sleep, alcohol consumption, and use of some sleeping pills. Normal aging causes further relaxation of these muscles.
3. Bulky throat tissue: Being overweight can cause bulky throat tissue. Also, children with large tonsils and adenoids often snore.
4. Long soft palate and/or uvula: A long soft palate or a long uvula (the dangling tissue in back of the mouth) can narrow the opening from the nose to the throat. When these structures vibrate and bump against one another the airway becomes obstructed, causing snoring.

Where does the snoring sound come from?
Snoring happens when you can't move air freely through your nose and mouth during sleep. Often caused by the narrowing of your airway, either from poor sleep posture or abnormalities of the soft tissues in your throat. A narrow airway gets in the way of smooth breathing and creates the sound of snoring.

Common Causes of Snoring
1. Age. As you reach middle age and beyond, your throat becomes narrower, and the muscle tone in your throat decreases.
2. The way you’re built. Men have narrower air passages than women and are more likely to snore. A narrow throat, a cleft palate, enlarged adenoids, and other physical attributes that contribute to snoring are often hereditary.
3. Nasal and sinus problems. Blocked airways make inhalation difficult and create a vacuum in the throat, leading to snoring.
4. Being overweight or out of shape. Fatty tissue and poor muscle tone contribute to snoring.
5. Alcohol, smoking, and medications. Alcohol intake, smoking, and certain medications can increase muscle relaxation leading to more snoring.
6. Sleep posture. Sleeping flat on your back causes the flesh of your throat to relax and block the airway.

Is it just snoring or sleep apnea?
Snoring could indicate sleep apnea, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires medical attention. Sleep apnea is a breathing obstruction, causing the sleeper to keep waking up to begin breathing again. Normal snoring doesn’t interfere with the quality of your sleep as much as sleep apnea, so if you’re suffering from extreme fatigue and sleepiness during the day, your problem may be more than just snoring.

Relationship Strain
Is snoring causing a rift in your relationship? No matter how much you love each other, the loss of sleep from frequent snoring can strain a relationship as well as put your partner’s health at risk.
When snoring is a problem, relationship tension can grow in the following ways:

1. Sleeping alone. If you or your partner snores, one of the easiest solutions is for you to sleep apart in different rooms. This often results in a lack of needed physical intimacy, straining the relationship. And if you’re the one snoring, you might feel lonely, isolated, and frustrated about something you feel you have no control over.
2. Snoring spats. It’s common to be irritable when sleep loss is an issue, but try reining in your frustration. Remember, you want to attack the snoring problem—not your sleep partner.
3. Partner resentment. When a non-snorer feels he or she has done everything possible to sleep through the night (ear-plugs, noise-machines, etc.) but his or her partner does nothing to combat his or her own snoring, it can lead to resentment. Working as a team to find a snoring cure can prevent future fights.
If you value your relationship, make it your priority to find a snoring cure so you can both sleep soundly. Working together to stop snoring can even be an opportunity to improve the quality of your bond and become more deeply connected.

If your Partner Snores. . .
So you love everything about your partner… except his or her snoring. It’s normal. Even the most patient amongst us will draw the line at sleep deprivation. But no matter how much sleep you lose due to someone snoring, it’s important to handle the problem sensitively. Remember that your partner likely feels vulnerable and even a little embarrassed about his or her snoring.

*Time your talk carefully. Avoid middle of the night or early morning discussions when you’re feeling exhausted.
*Keep in mind it’s not intentional. Although it’s easy to feel like a victim when you lose sleep, remember that your partner isn’t keeping you awake on purpose.
*Avoid lashing out. Sure, sleep deprivation is aggravating and can be damaging to your health, but try your best to approach the problem in a non-confrontational way.
*Beware of bitterness. Make sure that latching onto snoring is not an outlet for other hidden resentments you’re harboring.
*Use humor and playfulness to bring up the subject of snoring without hurting your partner’s feelings. Laughing about it can ease tension. Just make sure it doesn’t turn into too much teasing.

When your Partner Complains. . .
It’s common to be caught off guard—not to mention to feel a little hurt—when a partner complains about your snoring. After all, you probably didn’t even realize it was happening. And although it might seem silly that snoring can cause such relationship turmoil, it’s a common and a very real problem.

If you dismiss your partner’s concerns and refuse to try to solve your snoring problem, you’re sending a clear message to your partner that you don’t care about his or her needs.
Keep the following in mind as you and your partner work together to find a solution to your snoring:

*Snoring is a physical issue. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Like a pulled muscle or a common cold, improving the condition is in your hands.
*Avoid taking it personally. Try not to take your partner’s frustration as a personal critique or attack. Your partner loves you, just not the snoring.
*Take your partner seriously. Avoid minimizing complaints. Lack of sleep is a health hazard and can make your partner feel miserable all day.
*Make it clear that you prioritize the relationship. If you and your partner have this understanding, you’ll both do what it takes to find a cure for the snoring.
*Address inappropriate behavior. Although sleep deprivation can lead to moodiness and irritability, let your partner know that it’s not okay for them to throw an elbow jab or snap at you when you’re snoring.

How you Snore Reveals why you Snore
It’s crucial to note the different ways you sleep and snore. Sleep positions reveal a lot, and figuring out how you snore can reveal why you snore. When you know why you snore, you can get closer to a cure.

-Closed-mouth snoring may indicate a problem with your tongue.
-Open-mouth snoring may be related to the tissues in your throat.
-Snoring when sleeping on your back is probably mild snoring—improved sleep habits and lifestyle changes may be effective cures.
-Snoring in all sleep positions can mean your snoring is more severe and may require a more comprehensive treatment.

Self-Help for Snoring
There are many things you can do on your own to help stop snoring. Home remedies and lifestyle changes can go a long way in resolving the problem.

Lifestyle changes to stop snoring
1. Lose weight. Losing even a little bit of weight can reduce fatty tissue in the back of the throat and decrease or even stop snoring.
2. Exercise can also help to stop snoring. Working out to tone your arms, legs, and abs, for example, also leads to toning the muscles in your throat, which in turn can lead to less snoring.
3. Quit smoking. If you smoke, your chances of snoring are high. Smoking causes airways to be blocked by irritating the membranes in the nose and throat.
4. Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, and sedatives, especially before bedtime, because they relax the muscles in the throat and interfere with breathing.
5. Talk to your doctor about any prescription medications you’re taking, as some encourage a deeper level of sleep which can make snoring worse.
6. Establish regular sleep patterns. Create a bedtime ritual with your partner and stick to it. Hitting the sack in a routine way together can help you sleep better and often minimize snoring.

Bedtime Remedies to Help you Stop Snoring
*Clear nasal passages. Having a stuffy nose makes inhalation difficult and creates a vacuum in your throat, which in turn leads to snoring. You can do it naturally with a Neti pot or try nasal decongestants or nasal strips to help you breathe more easily while sleeping.
**Keep bedroom air moist with a humidifier. Dry air can irritate membranes in the nose and throat.
***Reposition. Elevating your head four inches may ease breathing and encourage your tongue and jaw to move forward. There are specially designed pillows available to help prevent snoring by making sure your neck muscles are not crimped.
****Avoid caffeine and heavy meals within two hours of going to bed, especially dairy products and soymilk.
*****Sleep on your side. Avoid sleeping on your back, as gravity makes it more likely for your tongue and soft tissues to drop and obstruct your airway.

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*Stop snoring solution: The tennis ball trick
Is sleeping on your back causing you to snore? If so, try the tennis ball trick. Sleep with a tennis ball (or similar sized ball) attached to the back of a pajama top or T-shirt. (You can sew or safety pin a sock to the back of the pajama top, then put a tennis ball in it.) The tennis ball is uncomfortable if you lie on your back, and you will respond by turning on your side. Or wedge a pillow stuffed with tennis balls behind your back. Soon you will develop side-sleeping as a habit and not need the tennis balls.

**Throat exercises to stop snoring
Practiced for 30 minutes a day, throat exercises can be an effective way to reduce or stop snoring. Repeatedly pronouncing certain vowel sounds and curling the tongue in specific ways can strengthen muscles in the upper respiratory tract and thereby reduce snoring.

***Try the following exercises to stop snoring. Start slow and gradually increase the number of sets you do. In some cases, you may be able to combine the exercises with other activities, such as commuting to work, walking your dog, working out, or taking a shower.

****Repeat each vowel (a-e-i-o-u) out loud for three minutes a few times a day.
Place the tip of your tongue behind your top front teeth. Slide your tongue backwards for three minutes a day.
Close your mouth and purse your lips. Hold for 30 seconds.
With mouth open, move jaw to the right and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat on left side.
With mouth open, contract the muscle at the back of your throat repeatedly for 30 seconds. Tip: Look in the mirror to see the uvula (“the hanging ball”) move up and down.
*****Alternative remedies for snoring
Singing can increase muscle control in the throat and soft palate, reducing snoring caused by lax muscles.
Playing the didgeridoo may sound strange, but studies show that learning to play a didgeridoo (native Australian wind instrument) can strengthen the soft palate and throat, reducing snoring.

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Medical Treatments
If you’ve tried the self-help solutions to stop snoring without success, don’t give up hope. Medical cures and treatments could make all the difference. New advances in the treatment of snoring are being made all the time and the various devices available to stop snoring are becoming more and more effective and comfortable. So even if your doctor recommends something that in the past you found to be uncomfortable or ineffective, that doesn’t mean the same will be true now.

Medical Cures for Snoring
If your own efforts to stop snoring do not help, consult your physician or an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat doctor, otherwise known as an ENT). If you choose to try a dental appliance for your snoring, you will need to see a dentist specializing in these devices.

1. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). To keep your airway open during sleep, a machine at your bedside blows pressurized air into a mask that you wear over your nose or face.
2. Dental appliances, oral devices, and lower jaw-positioners often resemble an athlete’s mouth guard. They help open your airway by bringing your lower jaw or your tongue forward during sleep.
3. Traditional surgery such as Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), Thermal Ablation Palatoplasty (TAP), tonsillectomy, and adenoidectomy, increase the size of your airway by surgically removing tissues or correcting abnormalities. The Pillar procedure is also an effective surgery in which small plastic implants are inserted into the soft palate. Scar tissue grows around the implants, stiffening the soft palate, which stops vibrations that cause snoring.
4. New developments. Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) and somnoplasty remove parts of the soft palate to reduce snoring using lasers or radiofrequency signals. These newer remedies may require further study.

When to See a Doctor about Snoring
Snoring can sometimes be a warning sign of a more serious problem. A doctor should evaluate a snorer for any underlying medical conditions, other sleeping disorders such as sleep apnea, or any sleep-related breathing problems. Call your doctor if you or your sleep partner have noticed any of the following red flags:

-You snore loudly and heavily and are tired during the day
-You stop breathing, gasp, or choke during sleep
-You fall asleep at inappropriate times, such as during a conversation or a meal
-To rule out a more serious problem, a physician may refer you to a sleep specialist for a home-based sleep test using a portable monitor or request you stay overnight at a sleep clinic. If these sleep studies conclude that the snoring is not related to any sleeping or breathing disorders, you can discuss different treatment options to stop the snoring.

Beware of Costly Assumptions

There is something called the "canopy relationship". This is when a brother or sister hovers over you like a fly without intentions to marry you. You find that the brother is the first to call you on phone virtually everyday and the last to leave your house. The sister is the one who comes to cook for you over the weekend and stocks your freezer with essentials for the weekend. You are always together. People see you as best of friends and many are already assuming you are in a marital relationship. There's something you need to do- define that relationship.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying you can't have male friends as a sister. I had a few back then too. An undefined relationship can be dangerous though. 

One probability is that a possible suitor wouldn't be able to come propose to you because he assumes that you are already in a relationship with someone else. That way you miss your chance of having a good relationship. In the end, when the brother who is "canopilising" you comes with his wedding invitation, you will be totally broken. Don't let anyone use you. Don't allow yourself be taken advantage of you. Don't let that fellow sap you of your emotional strength.

Many people have fallen victim of unmet expectations which left them devastated- I have seen a number of cases. They had hoped that this particular friend of theirs would want to get married to them. But alas, they had wasted their time in that relationship unnecessarily.

Don't get unduly close to someone of the opposite sex. You don't need to fall into an emotional ditch. Don't feed your passion or feeling for that person if there is no concrete decision between both of you to go on that way. Don't be an emotional toy to anyone. You are precious. Carry yourself as precious. Don't act desperate. I heard a single lady going on and on about a married male friend of hers. She spoke of how wonderful he is. How he has been there for her. The list was endless. They had been friends right from before the guy got married. I sighed at how she expressed how much he meant to her. I perceived she had hoped the guy would marry her. And the worst part is that she is obviously obsessed with him. I see her as a potential threat to that guy's marriage if care is not taken. 

If he has not proposed, don't think you are engaged. It is very important to define your relationship- in clear terms. Don't bank on "it seems he likes me". If he doesn't have plans to settle down with you, you had better go get a can of insecticide and chase that 'fly' far away from you. Or be sure you can handle the emotional outcomes of finding out he's totally into someone else. It's better to be safe than to be sorry. 

A word is enough for the wise.

~OMOSEBI Mary Omolola

If You Fall. . .

Instead of beating yourself down because you fell, look to the Lord for recovery. Don't let anyone make you believe that you cannot rise again, that you are beyond redemption. Trust God for restoration. Nothing is big enough to separate us from the love of God. He has an everlasting love for His children. We must always remember that we cannot save ourselves. Only God can. The devil wants to keep us down. There is that saying that "He that is down needs fear no fall", I seem to have another meaning for it right now. Someone who is down soon gets accustomed with dirtiness. He let's down his guard because he feels "Well, I'm already on the floor, what more?" He says to himself, "My garment is already dirty, I could as well clean my oily hand with it." He gets so used to being on the floor that he soon sees no reason to rise to his feet anymore. He simply sinks deeper into the ground. He gets weighed down by the accumulating deposits of sin.
Check this out:

Rejoice not against me, O my enemy! When I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light to me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against Him, until He pleads my cause and executes judgment for me. He will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold His righteous deliverance. (Micah 7:8-9)

Here's what The Bible says:

Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1:18)

It is your duty to seek the Lord for deliverance. Come to Him, He will not cast you away. You need to seek solace in Him. Be ready to turn away from your ungodly ways. He will take you back. Remember that God is a merciful God. He always looks forward to the lost sheep coming back home. His love is constant.

There are two men in the Bible who reacted to their sin in completely different ways.

King David is the first person. He committed lookery,. . . adultery. . .and then murder. When the Word of God convicting him of his sins came to him, he came back to his senses. He knew he had no other place to go. He ran back to God in reverent fear. He repented of his sin asked for forgiveness and God restored him. Was he punished for his sin? Yes. But he was restored to God. This is the ultimate. He was named "Man after God's heart" not because he was sinless but because he didn't justify his evil actions and sort God out for redemption when he fell. I kinda agree with the lyrics of a song that says, "A saint is a sinner who fell down but rose again". David had the right attitude. He was not ready to loose God no matter what.

The second person is Judas. He betrayed his master- Jesus. "O, I did a terrible thing", he must have said to himself. How did he handle his dilemma? He sunk into self-pity mode I guess. He saw himself as 'un-redeemable'(not sure about the word but hope you understand what I mean). Instead of allowing God pick up the broken pieces of his life and mend him, he dug a grave and buried them. He was lost forever.

This is not justifying falling. This is a reality check that we fall sometimes. When we do, we have two options: run into the everlasting arms of our Father or run farther away into total destruction by wallowing in self-pity. The choice is ours.

Don't stay down!

~Omosebi, Mary Omolola

Picture credits: Web

Challenged Worshippers

Zechariah and Elizabeth (Luke 1 from verse 5) were old and had no child. Despite their challenge though, they did not stop their worship of The One True God. Neither did they halt their service to God. Humanly speaking, they could have decided to turn back from following God since it seemed He wouldn't even give them a child of their own.

I am really challenged by the life of this couple. They had a serious challenge but they didn't cave in. Their faith in God was rock solid. Their faith was not dependent on physical circumstances. They loved God irrespective of what they were going through.

One thing of note is that both husband and wife were upright- Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations (Luke 1:6). It was not only one of them that was seeking God. They both did. They both faced God squarely. They were sold out to Him. They did not boycott their duty posts in the name of being challenged. Usually, in our world today, once a wife is unable to conceive (like it was the case with Elizabeth), you will see the wife going from mountain to mountain to pray. Many men, instead of joining forces with their wives, look for alternative routes to getting "their" own children, leaving the wife out of the equation. This should not be. Zechariah and Elizabeth's marriage was balanced by their relationship with God. They did not focus on their in-abilities. Instead, they faced the Able God squarely. They served Him with all their hearts. They served faithfully. And punctually too. They did not backslide because of the challenge they were faced with.

I don't know what challenge you are facing right now. Neither do I know what is going on in your family. I am here today to encourage you to hold onto God firmly. Do not let that situation (temporary) snatch Jesus away from you. Let your confession be that "Even though he slay me, I will yet praise Him" Keep the faith. Remember, God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. He owes no man. Keep depositing in your account in the Bank of Heaven. You will be amazed at the interest that would have accrued on your deposits by the time God decides to pay you back. God is a God that acts on time. God seeks your pains. In due time, He will show up for you. He is with you nonetheless. Never forget that.

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him (James 1:6).

Shalom!

~OMOSEBI Mary Omolola

The Results Of Your Association

My attention was drawn to some flower plants in our compound some days back. There were two of them, different species, planted beside each other but with the same flower. I kept examining the plants out of curiosity. I was so surprised because I kind of know that one of the plants was not bearing the flower it was expected to. The flower is original to one. The other plant was simply "infected" by the "domineering" plant.(Don't even begin to ask me about the science behind this occurrence. Lol) I caught the lesson God was pointing out to me though. And it is simple: Your association definitely have consequences, positive or negative.

If a goat continually flocks with a dog, it will eat faeces (a Yoruba adage). The people you associate with can cross-pollinate you with whatever they carry on their inside. They either infect you with their evil or inject good into you. It's one thing or another. We are like permeable membranes. Things pass through us and into us. Our relationship with people or things have certain ways of gradually affecting us.

If a wife beater is your best friend, you are at risk of becoming one too. If you are friends with a drunkard, soon you'll be mixing some alcohol with your soft drink and probably become a pro at drinking alcoholic drinks without dilution. If your friends are being pimped, soon you will be a victim too if you don't separate yourself from them. If your friends see nothing wrong with pre-marital sex or adultery, if care is not taken, you begin to get comfortable with what they are doing.

Your antennas must be very sensitive. Be at alert always. The devil wants you to fall at all cost, so, don't give room to the devil by being in close relationships with people on the path of destruction. As humans, we have weaknesses. Other people's weaknesses could lead to our own fall. Everyone is a potential tool to trigger your fall. Always remember that fact. I think preparing your mind with this help us not to let our guards down. We need to be watchful and vigilant AT ALL TIMES.

I once read/heard the story of a hunter who once brought home the egg of an eagle. He allowed a hen to hatch the egg along with her own eggs. The chicks and the eaglet grew together. The eagle will run with the chicks and it will hop with them. It had lost it's essence. It never knew it had the ability to fly high. And not only that, to soar too. It wasn't able to maximize its potential because of its association. In short, our environment has a way of influencing who we become or how we turn out in the long run. If you walk with crawlers, the tendencies are high that you will also become a crawler. If you move with flyers, you will most likely become a flyer too.

Your Association Leads Either To Your Dissociation or Appreciation!

Watch out!

~OMOSEBI Mary Omolola

2015

Waiting For Perfect Conditions?

Someone who is afraid to step out in faith is a disaster to himself. Your actions could be likened to you waiting for snow to fall in Maiduguri, Northern Nigeria. It won't happen. (Well, with God nothing is impossible, but literally, . . .) You say, "No wedding till I have 5 million naira in my personal account, my personal building, . . ." -tall order. "No business till I have ten million naira in my account." The exhortation for someone today is to stop waiting for perfect conditions. You will most likely not achieve anything that way.

He who observes the wind will not sow, And he who regards the clouds will not reap (Ecclesiastes 11:4).

Without faith, it is impossible to please God. We usually have to start from the base of the ladder and expected to climb up to the height designed for us. It is faith at work in us when we tell God, "I cannot see a boat on this river but at Your Word, I step in". The attitude of a winner is that which does not despise the days of little beginning. It is so sad that many people want to start their journey at the top of the ladder. They therefore keep procrastinating taking the steps they should.

If God is telling you to launch out into the deep, simply launch into the deep. If He tells you it's time to get married, wait no longer. If He says it's time to start a course, go for it. Do not miss out on God's timing for your life. Do not allow fear deprive you of the good that God has in store for you. Your current status has absolutely nothing to do with what God is making of your life. This is a phase. A phase that will pass. God can bring so much out of nothing. He is The creator. He specializes in doing the impossible. Trust Him to give you a safe landing at the end of your journey.

May God strengthen our faith in Him in Jesus' name!

Have a great week ahead!

~OMOSEBI Mary Omolola

Invest In What You Want

As I read the book of Proverbs 27, I found something really intriguing. I remember my mother always asking me when last I had called Dr This, Pastor That and Professor This-That. She would insist that I keep in touch with people who had been good to me in the past.

Here is the verse I'm emphasising on today:
Take care of a fig tree and you will have figs to eat. Servants who take care of their master will be honored Proverbs 27:18).

You seek help through someone, and you have not even called to welfare the person in two years. He/she had a celebration or negative experience which you were aware of but you didn't bother rejoicing or mourning with him/her (I was actually guilty of an incidence recently). How do you expect him/her to even remember you. When there is a job opening in his company, the probability is that your name might not even pop up in his mind. I have come to realize just how easy it is for busy people to forget some people.

Don't get me wrong. I am not saying that you should shift your trust from God to man. I am only saying that you can only reap what you sow. If you care for others, you will be cared for. If you show concern for others, concern will be shown for you too. You want to tread on cool ground, pour some cold water ahead of you (it's a yoruba adage that I don't seem to know a better way to interpret. Lol)

Have you seen this too?
A gift opens doors for the one who gives it and brings him into the presence of great people (Proverbs 18:16 GWT).

And it is not only those you seek help from that you should be good to. Be good to all. Be good without expecting them to repay you. You might not even reap directly from where you have sown. Keep sowing via the broadcast method. You will definitely not miss your harvest.

Begin sowing seeds of kindness today. Show mercy. Sow what you wish to reap.

~OMOSEBI Mary Omolola

Don't Turn A Blind Eye

As I was searching the scriptures this morning, my eyes got stuck on Proverbs 24:11-12»
Deliver those who are drawn away to death, and those who totter to the slaughter, hold them back [from their doom]. If you [profess ignorance and] say, Behold, we did not know this, does not He Who weighs and ponders the heart perceive and consider it? And He Who guards your life, does not He know it? And shall not He render to [you and] every man according to his works?

God's instruction to us is to be our brother's keeper. We are to love others as we love ourselves. I am very sure that if you were to be in some sort of trouble, you will utilize every resource at your disposal in fighting your way out of the trouble. You will call out for help from those you believe can help you.

Please, one of the ways of being our brothers' keepers is by fighting for justice on their behalf. Don't keep quiet when a colleague or anyone as a matter of fact, is being unjustly punished. Don't ignore the cries for justice of those around you. If you have the means to deliver them from the shackles of their oppressors, please don't leave them to suffer unduly. When God blesses us with resources- financial, intellectual, social, etc, it is for the good of our neighbours and ourselves. And who is your neighbour? Anyone God allows to cross your path is your neighbour.

Another very important light through which I see this scripture is calling out to those on the path of destruction. If you see a sister or brother marching towards danger, do all you can to save that person from danger and herself or himself. When you see someone trying to dive headlong into a pit, talk to her about it.

Show pity. Be compassionate. When we look through the Scriptures, we will read, "Jesus had compassion on the crowd" severally. Jesus is very compassionate. One day, He was passing by and saw a widow mourning her son's death. What did Jesus do? He was moved with compassion. He could have said, "I was not invited. It's none of my business". But He didn't do that. He got involved in her business and brought joy to her. He empathized with her. He felt her feelings.

Don't put up an "I-don't-care" attitude when you are supposed to speak out or warn someone about approaching danger. God will ask us. Posing in an "ignorant" standpoint is punishable. Do all in your power to rescue the perishing. Plead with them to come back from the fast lane of life on which they are. Call out to the unsaved. Tell them about the imminent danger of not accepting the Saviour's love. Jesus is merciful. Care for the hopeless. Mourn with those who mourn. Whatever position we find ourselves in, we are placed there to minister life to people around us.

Be your sisters'/brothers' keeper!

~OMOSEBI Mary Omolola